25 July,2023 06:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative image/iStock
Mumbai reported 495 malaria cases in July so far, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) release stated.
According to the release by the civic body, this year, the cases have increased due to an increase in reporting units from 22 to 880. These units include BMC dispensaries, BMC Hospitals, HBT clinics, additional private labs, and private hospitals.
"The contribution of P. falciparum has also decreased from 5 per cent to 2 per cent this week," stated the BMC release.
Last month, 676 malaria cases were reported in Mumbai city.
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Around 2,489 construction sites were covered in the city and 32,189 blood samples were collected at construction sites to check for malaria.
Advisory shared by BMC for malaria:
- As the number of dengue and malaria cases rises, use mosquito nets while sleeping. Use of complete clothing is advised to avoid mosquito bites.
- To prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, the workplace, residence, and surroundings must be kept clean. Mosquito larvae live in standing water, the larvae require only minimal amounts of water, and even something as small as a puddle of water on a discarded plastic container can house them, odd articles such as tins, thermocol boxes, coconut shells, tires, which must be removed. Maintain cleanliness around houses.
- Whenever have fever, headache, rashes, muscle & joint pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea, do not take self-medication and consult your nearest BMC health post/dispensary/hospital immediately. It is important not to delay treatment because it can lead to complications and even death if left untreated.
- If malaria is detected, take complete treatment as per doctors advice
This month, 249 cases of leptospirosis were also reported in the city.
"A comparison of the current week to the last week (i.e. 9-16 July), shows that only leptospirosis cases are on the rise this week, however, there is no increase in gastroenteritis, malaria, or dengue cases, and a majority of these cases are being treated in the outpatient department," the BMC official stated.
