Mumbai grappling with malaria, dengue and gastro cases

16 August,2023 08:28 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Eshan Kalyanikar

Health officials monitor increasing cases; city struggles with illnesses in monsoon

226 malaria cases were reported between August 1 and 6. Representation pic


In the span of a week, Mumbai recorded 236 cases of malaria, adding to a total of 462 cases reported in the city between August 1 and 13. This figure closely aligns with the weekly trend, as there were 226 malaria cases reported between August 1 and 6. During the same period, there were 151 cases of leptospirosis, 317 cases of dengue, 429 cases of gastroenteritis, 15 cases of hepatitis, 11 cases of chikungunya, and 90 cases of H1N1.

Mortality data is expected to be released next month. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) health department clarified that there has been no overlap of illnesses. "While multiple infections can occur simultaneously in a patient, it's not very common. Such instances are mostly observed in immunocompromised patients. We have not observed recent occurrences of this," said Dr Balasaheb Kawale, medical officer of health (G-North ward).

Among the three wards susceptible to vector-borne diseases (G-south, F-south), G-North ward has been effectively managing malaria. While the ward reported slightly over 165 cases last August, it has recorded nearly 40 cases so far this year.

The city has also witnessed a slight increase in gastroenteritis cases, with 226 cases reported in the past week. In the preceding week, the city reported a total of 203 cases of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Recent reports by mid-day highlighted complaints from citizens in high-rises about receiving contaminated water. On August 9, mid-day reported on residents of Santacruz East who have been receiving dark and foul-smelling water for the past few months.

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Dr Preeti Chhabria, consultant and director of internal medicine at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, "We are seeing a significant number of dengue and malaria cases. There have been a few instances of overlapping illnesses this monsoon season, primarily involving H1N1 alongside gastro."

462
No of cases of malaria between August 1 and 13

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