A 55-year-old woman from Walkeshwar became the first victim of dengue in October and the fifth since the onset of monsoon season. Forty-one new cases have cropped up in the city the first week of October itself. BMC health officials say that dengue cases are steadily rising. In September, 117 dengue cases were registered in the city, which is almost twice the figure in August (65) and July (52).
What was the condition of the victim?
The victim, with a history of kidney ailments, was admitted to Jaslok Hospital in Peddar Road on September 29 with high fever. Doctors said she was brought in very critical condition and admitted under a nephrologist. She succumbed to the disease on October 4.
What is co-morbidity?
Doctors warned that people with co-morbidities (the presence of additional ailments) like diabetes, hypertension or chronic ailments need to be more careful. "People shouldn't take fever lightly. This season, dengue is already showing liver, kidney and lung involvement and early diagnosis is a must. With co-morbid factors, the complications can go up if not treated on time," said Dr Khusrav Bajan, an intensivist at PD Hinduja Hospital.
Which areas recorded the highest dengue cases?
Areas which have registered the most dengue cases include Bandra, Goregaon, Prabhadevi, Dadar, parts of Parel, Walkeshwar etc. As reported by dna earlier, one of the obstacles faced by the BMC in curbing the menace is a staff crunch because several of its employees are on election duty. "The staff is being forced to work extra. We are giving advertisement in newspapers, going for radio jingles so we can reach to maximum people," said Dr Gomare.
Where were maximum breeding spots found?
Dr Mangala Gomare, epidemiology head in BMC, said, "We are intensifying our awareness campaign on dengue. Our aim is to reach out to as many people as we can as 80% of the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito, carrier of the dengue virus, are found indoors. Around 60% of such cases are seen in affluent housing societies where we have found breeding spots in mini-fountains, feng-shui plants and miniature artificial ponds."
The curious case of dropping platelet counts
Dna has already reported another worrying sign of dengue this year: The frequency with which the patients' platelet counts are dropping. Dr Om Shrivastav, director of the department of infectious diseases at Jaslok Hospital, said, "We are seeing more severe forms of dengue this year where the platelet count dips very fast. For example, in 48 hours, the platelet count can fall from 2 lakh to 10-15,000 and remain so for 5-7 days. In such cases, we have to keep the patient hospitalised because of the fear of bleeding. As a result, the period of hospitalisation is extended."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}