Rise in dengue, leptospirosis: 17-yr-old succumbs to infection

The season’s seventh death caused by monsoon-related ailments was reported on Friday after a 17- year-old boy from Kurla, succumbed to leptospirosis at a local municipal hospital

The season’s seventh death caused by monsoon-related ailments was reported on Friday after a 17- year-old boy from Kurla, succumbed to leptospirosis at a local municipal hospital, according to the civic body’s monsoon report. Moreover, 53 confirmed cases and 428 suspected cases of leptospirosis were reported in August, the report added.

Leptospirosis is a waterborne disease that spurts during monsoon. Last year’s outbreak had caused 18 deaths in the city till August.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the patient used to work as a delivery boy, had a history of cold, high fever and breathlessness before he was admitted.

The report said he was initially admitted to a private hospital on August 10, but was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital on August 21, where he died of respiratory failure in the intensive care unit.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria present in urine of animals such as rats, dogs and cattle. BMC officials said that they surveyed 2,585 houses around the victim’s house and detected 36 suspected cases of leptospirosis. “All who had cold and high fever were put on treatment,” said a civic official.

“People who have wounds and skin abrasions should be very cautious. They should avoid walking though flooding as the bacteria enters the body through the skin,” said Dr Padmaja Keskar, city’s executive health officer.

Meanwhile, the report showed a sharp rise in dengue cases in August as compared to July, this year. While 63 cases were reported in July, there were 103 cases in August. “The atmosphere helps breed mosquitoes. People must check their frost trays, flower pots and change water every two days. Also, people who store water should keep the containers covered, “ Dr Keskar said.