Even though the city and its surrounding areas are witnessing an acute rain deficit, the BMC has reported a rise in dengue cases. As per civic data, 22 dengue cases have been reported from June 1-19 compared to 34 cases in May. Meanwhile, two cases of H1N1 and a case of chikungunya have also been reported in nearly three weeks this month.
Dengue is one of the most prevalent vector-borne arboviruses, transmitted between humans by the Aedes mosquito. Health officials have raised concern over the rising cases as the symptoms are similar to Covid-19, and amid a surge in the latter there could be misdiagnosis. The BMC has, therefore, urged citizens to take all necessary precautions to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant of internal medicine at Global Hospital Parel, said dengue cases were high even before the onset of monsoon, and that it has become an endemic infection, seen throughout the year. She said a rise in construction activities and rapid urbanisation have also led to the rise in cases. “We are seeing complicated dengue patients, who need to be diagnosed on time.”
She said avoiding unnecessary accumulation of water in pots or tires surrounding residential areas is necessary. “Water used for domestic purposes should also be kept covered. Keep your surroundings clean and use mosquito repellents, nets, and light cotton clothing when outside the house. In case of high-grade fever, blood tests should be done to rule out any other infection,” she said.
BMC executive health officer Dr Mangala Gomare said community awareness programmes with information, education and communication (IEC) on the symptoms have been organised across civic wards. Activities like daily disease surveillance, early diagnosis and treatment, and implementation of immediate control measures have been undertaken.
Dr Gomare said, “We have instructed all hospitals, dispensaries and health posts to increase blood smear examination for all suspected cases and rule out Covid-19 with rapid antigen tests.”
Infectious diseases experts from private hospitals said stagnant water and damp weather enable Aedes aegypti, the dengue vector to proliferate, and hence a spike in cases is usually seen in late August, September and October.
A senior health official said a sudden change in temperature makes the body susceptible to certain diseases. Constant oscillation between hot, humid and wet weather makes it conducive for microorganisms to breed and thrive. “People should visit the doctor immediately because the symptoms are almost alike for dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, gastroenteritis and chikungunya,” he said.
BMC Steps In
Community awareness programmes with information, education and communication (IEC) on symptoms organised across civic wards.
Daily disease surveillance, early diagnosis and treatment, and implementation of immediate control measures.
All hospitals, dispensaries and health posts instructed to increase blood smear examination for all suspected cases and rule out Covid-19 with rapid antigen tests.
Advisory
Avoid eating out
Carry your own water
Consume boiled or filtered water
Wash hands before meals
Keep surroundings clean
Don’t let water accumulate
Cover stored water
