Mumbai: Risk of winter fever, gastro, and dengue disease remains

Due to heavy rains in July and subsequent rains in August, outbreaks of epidemic diseases started. In Mumbai, there was a decrease in the number of epidemic patients compared to July. However, more patients of winter fever, gastro, and dengue have been found in the second week compared to the first week of August. So the risk of these diseases is still there. However, it has been observed that there has been a decrease in the number of patients of swine flu, measles, and chikungunya, while the number of lepto patients is stable.

Due to the heavy rains in July, epidemics were on the rise in Mumbai. But as soon as August started, the rain started. Due to this, the number of epidemic patients decreased somewhat. Although the number of patients have decreased compared to July, still a large number of patients with winter fever, dengue and gastro are being found. In the first 13 days of August, 462 cases of cold, 317 of dengue, 429 of gastro and 151 of lepto have been found in Mumbai. Compared to the first week of August, there has been an increase in the number of patients in the second week. At the same time, 34, 9 and 2 cases of swine flu, measles and chikungunya respectively have been detected in the second week of August.

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The number of Lepto patients decreased

As soon as the heavy rain starts falling, the low-lying areas of Mumbai start facing various problems due to water accumulation. This led to a significant increase in the number of Lepto patients in July. In July, 413 Lepto patients were found. But in the first 13 days of August, the number of lepto patients rose to 151. It has been observed that the risk of lepto is reduced.

“Rainwater accumulates in the society's premises in tyres, sawmills, scraps etc. and causes dengue and winter fever. Therefore, the number of patients with winter fever and dengue is increasing in August. To prevent winter fever and dengue, follow the instructions given by the Municipal Corporation, and also dispose of accumulated water in your area. Children and senior citizens are more affected by swine flu. So get vaccinated”, said Dr. Bharat Jagiasi, Secretary, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Mumbai Branch.