59 deaths in 19 days

Six more deaths due to monsoon-related diseases were reported in the city in the last 24 hours.  A 45-year-old man died of fever while a 46-year-old man died of leptospirosis. Four people fell to malaria in different areas of the city. Private hospitals reported seven cases of leptospirosis, 18 cases of dengue and 30 cases of malaria.

The number of deaths from July 2 to July 20 now figures at 59, while 6,532 people have been admitted to public hospitals for fever, leptospirosis, dengue, malaria and gastroenteritis. However, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials contended that leptospirosis and dengue had spared the city.

Between April and June last year, 2,739 admissions and 13 deaths due to malaria were recorded in the city. In the same period this year, 4,543 admissions and seven deaths were reported. Deaths have increased to as many as 17 in the month of July.

Despite figures to prove the rise in the number of monsoon-related ailments, the BMC maintained that the situation was well within their control. However, with cases of malarial deaths rapidly rising, health officials have decided to increase their efforts in a bid to control the mosquito-borne disease.

“Compared to last year, there are fewer deaths, but the number of cases may be higher,” said BMC Deputy Executive Health Officer, Neera Kewalramani, adding that, “This may be because reporting of diseases is better this year,” she added.