Monsoon ailments continuing in city: BMC

The city continues to reel under monsoon ailments, shows a health report shared by the BMC on Saturday. The report shows that apart from a rise in gastro cases, there have been suspected cases of leptospirosis and citizens are also falling prey to viral infections with stray cases of dengue being recorded at hospitals in the city.

The data revealed by the BMC’s epidemiology department says, “There have been 37 gastro, 23 malaria, 18 hepatitis (A&E), 16 suspected dengue, 11 typhoid and 10 suspected lepto cases.”

Dr Suleman Merchant, the dean of Sion hospital, said, “Monsoons provide a conducive environment for various pathogens. While there has been a rise in the number of cases of certain diseases, it is a normal trend during the monsoon. We are taking all steps to ensure that the situation remains under control. Malaria and gastro have seen a major rise so far. Most cases being reported are that of viral fever.”

Fever, vomiting and body pain are the symptoms of this water-borne disease and in severe cases, it may also affect the liver and kidneys. There is a blood test for people to find out if they’ve caught leptospirosis, malaria or dengue. Any delay in taking a serious patient to hospital could lead to organ failure and even death.