Maharashtra sees spike in chikungunya and dengue cases; doctors worry

A BMC medic collects blood samples of a person for a dengue test, in Kandivli, on September 12, 2020. Pic/Satej Shinde

While the number of Covid-19 infections is declining, Maharashtra is witnessing a rise in chikungunya cases. This has prompted the state health department to intensify surveillance in the districts reporting higher mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr Pradip Awate, the state surveillance officer, said the field officers have been instructed to conduct door-to-door fever surveillance in their respective areas. "Every year, our field officers conduct two surveys that include entomological and fever. They check for fever cases and mosquito breeding grounds," he explained. The state health minister had directed all district health officers to intensify their survey and increase awareness activities through Information, Education and Communication.

Massive spike in cases

According to the state health department, Maharashtra has seen more than 2,000 chikungunya cases so far this year, a massive rise from last year's total figure of 782 cases. The state health officer said the spike in vector-borne diseases this year is because of the intermittent rain.

In Mumbai, too, doctors said there is a rise in chikungunya and dengue cases. "The number of cases has gone up and it is a matter of concern. We have asked pesticide control officers to focus on inspection and treatment to reduce the spread of breeding," said a senior BMC official after a review meeting at the civic headquarters.

"Authorities will intensify indoor inspections in pockets that have seen a spurt in case," said a BMC health officer. Aedes mosquitoes, the carrier of the dengue and chikungunya viruses, are found in stagnant freshwater.

Patients from all age groups

Dr Kedar Toraskar, critical care specialist at Wockhardt Hospital, said most of the chikungunya patients are coming with fever, rashes, headache and nausea complaints. "There is definitely a spike in chikungunya and dengue cases. The patients come with very high fever and severe joint pain," he added.

He said many dengue/malaria patients, from all age groups, are being hospitalised with lower platelet counts. "To prevent dengue/malaria, just make sure that the mosquitoes do not breed in stagnant water. Keep water storage containers clean and covered, dispose of trash properly, wear full-sleeved clothes, don't wade through waterlogged roads and use mosquito repellents."

2,000
No. of chikungunya cases in the state so far this year, up from 782 reported last year