Mumbai: Monsoon diseases see decline after two months

Civic officials use a fogging machine in the city in January. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Though on the decline, monsoon-related ailments are still prevalent as per reports, and BMC advisories and medical professionals have asked citizens to stay safe. A separate advisory has also been issued following the rise in cases of conjunctivitis among children.

"After an increase in monsoon-related ailments in June and July, the figures for several diseases have shown a downward trend in the first week of this month. But cases are still around and citizens should stay safe. Between August 1 and 7, there were 226 cases of malaria, 75 cases of leptospirosis, 157 cases of dengue, 203 cases of gastroenteritis, six cases of hepatitis, nine cases of chikungunya and 56 cases of H1N1," according to data released by the BMC's health department.

Though reported cases for all these diseases have decreased compared to the previous week, only four cases of chikungunya were recorded in the same period. In the meantime, noting a rise in conjunctivitis cases across Maharashtra, the BMC has issued an advisory. One of the recommendations is to avoid sending students to school if they exhibit conjunctivitis symptoms. The infection has very noticeable signs such as itching, red eyes, swelling, and discharge.

To control the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis, the health department collaborates with the pest control department to carry out routine activities. Between August 1 and 7, 691 Anopheles and 5,115 Aedes mosquito breeding sites were detected and destroyed.