Now, it is also raining diseases in Mumbai

It’s raining buckets in the city, and it’s raining diseases. Malaria had been worrying the civic authorities for quite some time.
Now, cases of gastroenteritis, leptospirosis and dengue, too, are cropping up.

Physicians across the city said that malaria and dengue — both mosquito-borne illnesses — posed the greatest threat to the people.

“The mosquito menace is worsening with every passing year. The city is getting more and more densely populated, and the resultant increase construction activities is breeding more mosquitoes,” Dr Jawant Kini, a general physician from Malad (West), said.

“The builders do little to prevent stagnation of water at construction sites. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant pools, even if it is a small puddle,” he said.

However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is not taking any chances this time.

Fogging activities have begun in areas identified as malaria-prone zones, a civic official said.

Cases of leptospirosis — a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated rain water or muck — will be rising with the
heavy downpours, general physician Dr SN Acharya warned.

“To avoid contracting the disease, wear footwear that will minimise contact with water. Be extra cautious if you have open wounds on your feet,” he said. The doctor also warned against having roadside food.