Malaria cases may cross record levels

Malaria killed a 28-year-old man from Duncan Road on Wednesday. The mosquito-borne disease infected 8,946 people and claimed 10 lives between July 1 and 20 alone. In July 2009, 4,380 people were diagnosed with malaria.

Malaria killed a 28-year-old man from Duncan Road on Wednesday. The mosquito-borne disease infected 8,946 people and claimed 10 lives between July 1 and 20 alone. In July 2009, 4,380 people were diagnosed with malaria.

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The number of malaria cases this month has not only doubled compared to last year but could also be highest number ever recorded in Mumbai. On Thursday, another 124 Mumbaiites were admitted to public and private hospitals with suspected malaria.

On Thursday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to conduct fogging in the evenings also to control the mosquito population. So far, fogging was conducted only during the day.

Malaria spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The monsoon and post-monsoon period from June to November is considered the high transmission season for malaria.

“We are issuing an advisory so that people are better informed,” said Dr Arun Bamne, chief insecticide officer, BMC.

Ten people, including four children, tested positive for swine flu on Thursday, taking the number of cases to 338. Three of the patients were hospitalised. At least 277 people were admitted to hospitals with fever, 71 with gastro, one with leptospirosis and four with dengue.