H1N1 Outbreak: BMC Issues Fresh Regulation As Swine Flu Cases Rise To 62

According to a data revealed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in the last 24 days, Mumbai saw a spurt of swine flu cases from two to 62 cases till July 25, which also comprises Thane, Palghar and Raigad districts.

However, seeing a spike in cases in July, BMC has issued an advisory for citizens including following hand and cough hygiene and avoiding crowded places.

Explaining further, the BMC official stated that basic hygiene like covering your nose while sneezing, coughing with a handkerchief or tissue, avoiding touching eyes, nose, mouth etc should be followed for precaution.

In addition, one should avoid self-medication and consult a nearby BMC health post/dispensary/hospital for treatment if there is a history of high fever, difficulty in breathing, or blue colour of skin or lips.

Treatment should not be delayed because it leads to complications and risk of death. People with co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, pregnant women and senior citizens should be more careful

In the recent cases detected during the last 15 days, the majority of cases are with mild symptoms of sore throat and cough. Only senior citizens with multiple co-morbidities are requiring hospitalisation including ICU.

As per BMC’s epidemiology cell’s report, in July 2021, the city had reported 28 cases of dengue, 294 cases of gastro, and 21 cases of swine flu. This year, as on July 24, Mumbai has reported 50 cases of dengue, 524 cases of gastro, 62 cases of swine flu.

The rise is seen in Thane, Kolhapur and other areas as well. A total of 20 cases of swine flu were detected in Thane city so far this month and 15 patients recovered, while two others died, the release said.

Therefore, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has decided to conduct free testing to detect such cases in the city.

The civic body in a release said that the testing will be conducted at all the health centres of the TMC in Thane city in view of the rise in infections. It said the recommendation of a doctor is needed for testing.

Earlier, the city saw 44 and 64 swine flu cases respectively in 2020 and 2021 respectively.