Mumbai: A surge has been noted in the dengue cases reported across Maharashtra this year when compared to the numbers of 2016. This year, in the 1.5 lakh suspected cases, 6,894 persons were tested positive for dengue. Last year, the number of suspected cases was 1.14 lakh and the persons tested positive were 6,544 in number.
According to the Directorate of Health Service (DHS)’s joint director, the spurt this year has been due to unusual rains and temperature fluctuations, which created the favourable weather conditions for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, ‘Aedes-aegypti’.
Dr M.S. Diggikar, joint director of health, Maharashtra, told The Asian Age, “Even the smallest accumulation of water is sufficient for the spread of vector borne diseases. Dengue causing mosquitoes multiply anywhere, even water discarded in a teacup or a coconut shell is sufficient for their breeding. The climatic conditions because of the unusual rains post Diwali have made it favourable for these breeding spots to increase.”
Dr Diggikar further said that the surveillance measures are being taken; fogging is being done in areas where maximum cases have been detected. Dengue can be confirmed only through Elisa test and Elisa machines are available at all government district hospitals; hospitals attached to medical colleges and a few private hospitals as well.
As per the statistics recorded by the DHS, the city has recorded the maximum number of dengue deaths this year. Last year, 27 deaths were recorded in the state due to dengue.
