Incessant downpour leads to rise in dengue cases – 33 in September

The latest monsoon ailment data has BMC worried, with a slight increase in dengue cases. According to BMC health authorities, they are seeing a trend of dengue cases going up in non-slum areas, where they have increased their drive.

Dr Mangala Gomare, the epidemiology in-charge at BMC said, "There is a slight increase in dengue cases in September. We have observed that few wards like areas in South Mumbai and Bandra, are showing an increasing trend for dengue. As a precautionary step, we have intensified our drive."

Dr Gomare further added that the local health officers have identified the areas and will be visiting the housing societies to spread awareness.

According to BMC data, there have been 33 dengue cases reported in the first week of September itself. Last year, September saw 168 cases. From January to August this year, 279 people have been treated for dengue.

According to experts, while others like the female Anopheles mosquito (which spreads malaria), like to breed in the dirty water of puddles and open drains, the Aedes mosquito breeds only in clean water.

Dr Gomare said, "The Aedes mosquito's breeding spots are found in mini-fountains, feng-shui plants and miniature artificial ponds. Unlike locating the breeding sites of the female Anopheles mosquito, it is difficult to find those of the Aedes mosquito, as we have to visit homes for that." Dr Khusrav Bajan, intensivist at PD Hinduja Hospital in Mahim, said, "Most of the dengue patients we attend to, are showing a drop in platelets only after four to five days."

Doctors say that the incessant downpour has led to a rise in dengue, malaria and fever cases. In the last week of August, dengue and leptospirosis claimed two lives in different civic hospitals.
Other monsoon-related ailments like viral fever, gastroenteritis, typhoid, are also showing an upward trend in the city.

What you should know about Dengue?

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. The dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children and adults, and occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Symptoms appear 3-14 days after the bite

Symptoms range from a mild fever to an incapacitating high fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain and rash. There are no specific antiviral medicines. It is important to maintain hydration

Dengue haemorrhagic fever (fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding) is a potentially lethal complication, which mainly affects children. Early clinical diagnosis and careful clinical management increase survival of patients

Dos and don'ts to ensure your house doesn't become a breeding site for dengue-spreading mosquitoes..

Change water of ornamental plants' pots and flower vases every alternate day

Make sure there is no stagnant water collected in garden drains, roof gutters and sun shades

Add pesticides to stagnant water

Cover all containers used for storing water

Loosen soil from potted plants