Mumbai: The cases of hepatitis has been increased in the city by 66.66 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, says the public health department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Hepatitis alone has seen 282 cases this year in June as compared to 94 cases last year for the same period, while cases of gastroenteritis remained same by recording 797.
As per the statistics from March to June,643 hepatitis cases were reported from 24 wards, of which 304 cases were reported from L ward (Kurla). “From June 1 to June 30, 282 probable cases of hepatitis has been reported in the civic hospitals. During investigations it was found that multiple leakages were detected in major pipelines in Sambhaji Chowk area, could be because of major repairs of gutters and roads in L ward,” said official.
On the other hand cases of dengue, leptospirosis, malaria and gastroenteritis are under control as compared to last year’s figures. Activities like daily disease surveillance, early diagnosis and treatment, implementation of immediate control measures, IEC activities, prompt analysis of reports and management guidelines by EPID department etc., are contributing factors for the reduction of cases.
The report submitted by the civic health department stated eight cases of dengue, five cases of leptospirosis, 310 cases of Malaria, 282 cases of hepatitis and 797 gastroenteritis were reported in civic hospitals in the month of June 2019. Moreover, the civic health department are spreading more awareness in the areas where there are chance of cases may increase.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) executive health officer, Dr.Padmaja Keskar, “Mosquito-borne diseases are common in monsoon. Due to storage of dirty and stagnant water in various things and garbage, the growth in the number of mosquitoes and eventually the increase such types of diseases.”
The advisory issued by the BMC says, Food and water-borne diseases are reasonably common during monsoon; especially when one eats outside food, and faulty food habits leads to several infection in body. Consumption of contaminated food can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever, food poisoning. The best measure to avoid suffering from all this is avoid drinking and eating outside. Drink boiled water, washing hands is must before eating food.
Advisory for prevention of hepatitis, diseases
Washing hands after use of toilets and before cooking and eating.
Drink boiled water.
Maintain good personal hygiene.
Wash green leafy vegetables and salads thoroughly.
Pregnant women in their second trimester to take special precautions regarding personal hygiene and follow healthy eating habits.
Immediately seek doctors help when having symptoms of jaundice, nausea, vomiting etc. (especially pregnant women in the second trimester)
