Mumbai: As the monsoon rains get heavier, mosquito-related diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are rising quickly in the city. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), over 4,500 cases of these illnesses have been reported in the last four weeks. Many private hospitals and clinics are also seeing a growing number of patients.
This year, the number of patients has almost doubled compared to the same time last year. Malaria cases have gone up from 2,852 to 4,151. The increase is mostly due to poor waste management and water collecting in open areas, especially in places like Dharavi, Kurla, Govandi, Mankhurd, and Byculla, as reported by loksatta.
A senior BMC health official said that Anopheles mosquitoes, which grow in still water, are the main reason for the spread of malaria. Dengue cases have also gone up from 966 last year to 1,160 this year. That’s a 40 per cent rise. Many dengue patients need to be admitted to hospitals because of low platelet count and weakness. Most cases have been found in areas like Bandra, Andheri, Malad, and Kandivali. Symptoms include high fever, headache, joint pain, and skin rashes, as reported.
Similarly, Chikungunya cases, which had gone down for the last two years, are now being reported again. So far, over 850 people have been found with the disease this year.
Many of them have symptoms like strong joint pain, tiredness, and signs similar to arthritis. Doctors say that there is no specific cure for chikungunya right now, so treatment is based on the symptoms. The BMC has asked people to stay alert and take quick action if they feel unwell.
To stay safe, the BMC has shared some simple tips:
Do not let water collect in open spaces.
Keep water containers covered.
Use mosquito nets.
Visit a doctor quickly if symptoms appear.
