Dengue, malaria cases up; BMC collects Rs3 lakh in fines for mosquito breeding spots

Mumbai has reported 290 new cases of malaria and 321 suspected cases of dengue between August 8 and 14. Tests of 26 dengue patients have come out positive, while results are awaited for the rest, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Increasing their surveillance of mosquito breeding spots across the city, civic officials visited around 8 lakh households.

Under the MCGM Act 1888, section 381, 381A and 381B, there is provision to take legal action against premises where mosquito breeding sites are found. So far, officials of the insecticidal department have collected over Rs25 lakh in fines between January and July of which Rs3 lakh was recovered in July alone.

In July alone, officials found 1,187 mosquito breeding spots in the city. Citizens have been asked to seek medical help, if they have fever, and drink plenty of liquids.

Wards with large areas of slum settlements have been marked as high-risk areas.

"Dengue fever is accompanied by severe body ache and headache. In certain patients the immune system can even go into shock," said Dr Saurabh Jain, consultant physician, Cumballa Hill Hospital and Heart Institute, Kemps Corner. "Any fever that does not subside after a general dose of antibiotic or Crocin must not be ignored and one must see a doctor," he added.

Doctors also advise the use of mosquito nets and repellents in case people are sleeping in the open.