Despite dip in temperature, patients are showing symptoms of dreaded diseases.
Dip in the temperature has not resulted in decrease in dengue and malaria cases, but doctors say compared to last year, there has been a slight increase in the number of patients, especially for dengue.
Unlike the usual situation when the number of patients suffering from these diseases becomes less at this time of the year, doctors say there are still patients showing symptoms for dengue and malaria.
Dr Amit Thandani, medical director in Nirmaya Hospital said many are patients are from CBD Belapur and Kharghar, with severe signs.
“Navi Mumbai is an endemic area for malaria so it is not surprising that we have cases throughout the year. However, in case of dengue, there is a slight increase in cases now compared to last year and this is uncommon,” said Dr Shyam More, medical superintendent, DY Patil Medical College, Nerul.
Doctors advice use of mosquito repellents and preventive measures in order to safeguard oneself from the lethal bite. However, many Navi Mumbaikars claim that they are prone to mosquito bites because civic officials do not conduct fogging and spraying of pesticides regularly.
“Many people have been down with malaria and dengue. There is only little we can do to safeguard ourselves. It is the duty of civic officials to spray pesticides and clean drains so decrease breeding of mosquitoes. Even when we go out for a stroll, we can see hordes of mosquitoes buzzing in our locality,” said a resident of sector 18, Koparkhairane.
Swayam Singh, a resident of CBD Belapur, said, “I have hardly seen civic officials conducting fumigation regularly. That is one of the reasons for mosquito menace.”
Dr Ramesh Nikam, in-charge of the health department in NMMC, agreed that the mosquito nuisance will be high in the December-February period. He asserted that municipality officials are implementing the requisite programme to tackle the problem of mosquitoes.
“This is the suitable weather for them to breed and mosquito nuisance is likely to increase from now on. However, we are and will be conducting our weekly programme of fogging.
BE extra cautious this winter
Always use skin-friendly mosquito repellents at night and before you step out at any time of the day
Use protective screens on windows
Do not keep buckets or containers or flowers pots filled with water that will lead to mosquito breeding
Clean air coolers and refrigerators regularly to prevent stagnation of water
Even in the housing society, check if open and stagnated water have been cleared
Ensure that overhead water tanks are kept tightly closed
In case of symptoms such as fever, constant vomiting, abdominal pain, severe headache, cold and clammy skin seek medical assistance and do not self-medicate.
){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}
){kind=small}