Dengue cases on the rise in Mumbai, says BMC report

The city recorded 63 cases of dengue in July, said a health report released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday. The emergence of dengue and gastroenteritis — an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea and can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated — usually points towards water contamination.

The BMC report also showed 1,672 cases of gastroenteritis, 7,050 cases of fever, 583 cases of malaria, 135 Hepitits (A, E) cases, 76 leptospirosis cases and one H1N1 case.

The report reveeals that apart from a rise in gastro and dengue cases as compared to last year, there have been suspected cases of leptospirosis while citizens are also falling prey to viral infections.

According to Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer, BMC, “The cases of dengue and gastro are likely to rise as compared to the previous year. The message to patients is that fever or any other symptoms of dengue must not be ignored.”

Dr Keskar added: “The rise in the number of dengue cases is due to a large number of mosquito-breeding spots.”

Dr Dilip Patil, a general physician at Wadala Sai Clinic, said: “Emptying all flower pots on a daily basis to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, avoiding contact with stagnant rainwater and/or wading in rainwater and maintaining proper hygiene are some of the preventive measures for monsoon-related illnesses.”