Sporadic rain in Mumbai increases sting of malaria and dengue

Doctors said irregular rainfall over the past week was to be blamed for the increase in breeding of mosquitoes.

Mosquito-borne ailments show no signs of reducing with over 400 malaria and 74 dengue cases reported in the city this month.

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Doctors said irregular rainfall over the past week was to be blamed for the increase in breeding of mosquitoes.

According to municipal records, in September last year, close to 1,500 malaria and 242 dengue cases were reported.

“Dengue is very prevalent this year. We are admitting at least two to three patients every day as they have low platelet counts,” said Dr Alan Soares, physician, Holy Spirit Hospital, Andheri (East).

Soares said a majority of the cases were being reported from the Andheri-Jogeshwari belt. “We are seeing many patients from the same colony or area, which is a clear indication that mosquito breeding sites are near their homes.”

Incidentally, Maharashtra has reported one of the highest number of dengue and malaria deaths this year (see box). So far, four people have died of dengue this monsoon.

Dr Pratit Samdani, physician at Breach Candy Hospital, has 10 dengue patients admitted under his care.

“The fever is lasting longer and the patients are coming in with severe dehydration,” he said, adding that hydration is the key to avoid complications in dengue patients.

Meanwhile, water-borne ailments including gastroenteritis, typhoid and hepatitis are decreasing with the receding monsoon.

Compared to last September where 37 people tested positive for swine flu, this month 10 patients have tested positive for H1N1.