Mumbai is currently facing a severe health crisis as dengue cases soar to alarming levels. According to a recent report released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), dengue cases in June 2023 increased ninefold compared to the same period last year.
The report revealed that in June 2023 alone, Mumbai recorded 353 cases of dengue. In comparison, there were only 39 cases reported during the same month in 2022.
Moreover, it's not just dengue that's plaguing the city. The report also indicates a significant rise in other monsoon illnesses. It includes diseases like malaria and upper respiratory infections. Private hospitals have also reported a surge in dengue and respiratory cases.
According to reports, children aged 5 to 15 are the most affected, possibly due to increased outdoor activities and the reopening of schools. In addition to dengue, doctors in Mumbai are also witnessing a high number of upper respiratory cases, some of which may be swine flu.
The BMC's data shows a rise in swine flu infections too, with 90 cases reported in June 2023, compared to just two cases in June 2022 and 62 cases in May. In response to the growing health crisis, Dr. Sudhakar Shinde, an additional municipal commissioner, has called for an anti-dengue malaria campaign.
Shinde has instructed the health department to proactively identify and test patients exhibiting symptoms of these diseases. The BMC plans to keep its COVID war rooms operational to address dengue, malaria, and other monsoon illnesses. To tackle the spread of malaria, the BMC has also initiated a collaboration with private healthcare facilities, laboratories, and doctors.
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