Mumbai, Sep 16, 2024 – Mumbai is experiencing a surge in mosquito-borne diseases, with dengue fever leading the charge. According to the latest health update from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the number of dengue cases has continued to climb since July, exacerbated by unpredictable monsoon rains.
As of early September, Mumbai has reported 1,718 dengue cases, alongside 267 cases of chikungunya and 2,622 malaria cases. These figures highlight a troubling trend in the prevalence of vector-borne diseases, driven by recent erratic weather patterns.
Dr. Gautam Bhansali from Bombay Hospital has noted an increase in hospital admissions for patients suffering from dengue and chikungunya. “Patients with chikungunya are particularly afflicted by severe joint pain and high fever, rendering them almost immobile,” he explained.
In contrast, the number of cases for other illnesses such as H1N1 influenza, leptospirosis, and gastroenteritis has seen a decline in September. The BMC recorded only 46 H1N1 cases this month, a significant drop from 170 cases in August.
Dr. Daksha Shah, the BMC’s executive health officer, attributed the decrease in leptospirosis and gastroenteritis cases to the retreat of the monsoon. However, she emphasized that dengue, chikungunya, and malaria remain a significant concern. “Recent studies across Asia indicate a rise in mosquito populations, leading to more frequent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases,” Dr. Shah noted.
In response to the outbreak, the BMC’s insecticide team has identified 11,234 breeding sites for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread dengue, and 1,488 breeding sites for Anopheles mosquitoes, responsible for malaria. These conditions are exacerbated by the intermittent rains, which provide ideal breeding environments for mosquitoes.
Dr. Bhansali has observed a persistent high rate of dengue admissions. “We continue to see numerous patients needing hospitalization due to severe fever and dehydration from dengue,” he said.
According to a report from the state health department dated September 8, 75 people have died from various monsoon-related illnesses between January and September 7 this year. Of these, 39 deaths were due to H1N1, and 17 were attributed to dengue.
As Mumbai grapples with these health challenges, continued vigilance and preventive measures will be essential to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and protect public health.
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