875 dengue cases this year: BMC

The city has recorded 875 dengue cases this year, the highest in the last three years. The number of dengue cases has more than doubled compared to last year, which recorded 416 dengue cases as per the civic health records.

The city has recorded 875 dengue cases this year, the highest in the last three years. The number of dengue cases has more than doubled compared to last year, which recorded 416 dengue cases as per the civic health records.

HT Image

Health officials from BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) claimed that from now on, the number of cases would drop.

While only 134 dengue cases were reported in November as compared to 237 in October, doctors in private hospitals continue to treat dengue cases, which is uncommon during this part of the year.

“It is surprising we still have patients testing positive for dengue,” said, Dr Pratit Samdani, physician, Breach Candy Hospital, who has five dengue patients admitted under his care.

“The majority of patients can be treated on out-patient basis, but those where the virus has affected organ function require hospitalisation.

Doctors advise that dengue patients keep themselves hydrated. In the absence of specific medication to treat dengue fever, doctors prescribe medication to treat the symptoms arising out of dengue fever. Dr Abhay Chaudhary, director, Haffkine Institute, Parel, said dengue fever is no more an urban disease.

“This year we have seen a spurt of dengue cases across the country, which could be attributed to migration of people that carry the dengue virus. When the aedes mosquito bites such people, the insect harbours the virus and transmits it to healthy individuals,” said Dr Chaudhary.

“Apart from the virus, construction activity and extended monsoon has also contributed to the spurt in dengue cases,” said, Dr Om Shrivastav, infectious disease specialist, Jaslok Hospital, Peddar Road.