Mumbai reports first malaria death; fight with leptospirosis, cholera continues
Mumbai's fight with the trinity of malaria, leptospirosis and cholera has started once again, as malaria claimed one life this month, making it the first malaria death of this year. Leptospirosis too killed a 50-year-old this month, taking this year's death toll to nine. Meanwhile, three cholera cases were reported from two wards this month itself, but no death has been reported so far.
Man had fever, chills for a week before dying
BMC officials said the 52-year-old who died of respiratory failure on August 6 had fever and chills, classic malaria symptoms, for a week. He worked as a housekeeper and was a resident of Worli Koliwada. In this month itself, 415 cases of malaria have been recorded so far. However, last year there were 1,048 cases reported, more than 50% higher than this year.
Two deaths in two months, 28 cases in 15 days
Leptospirosis is another ailment Mumbaikars have been battling since long. Poor hygiene and unplanned sewerage system are two main reasons behind the dominance of this disease. Within just fifteen days, BMC hospitals and dispensaries have recorded a stunning 28 cases. While a 25-year-old died last month, a 50-year-old Chembur resident died this month due to the disease, caused by infected animals.
Action taken: Rat poison administered in 125 homes, people screened
The deaths have prompted BMC health officials to administer rat poison in 125 homes and check for mosquito breeding grounds in 255 houses, but have found none so far. They have also screened 4,000 people who are living nearby the houses of both the deceased.
Byculla, Kurla worst affected, said officials
Improper hygiene is also responsible for the spread of cholera, a bacterial disease causing severe diarrhea and dehydration, usually spread through water. So far, nine cases have been recorded in Mumbai, with most from E-ward covering Byculla, Kurla, Madanpura, etc, where pipelines are one of the oldest, which means residents are basically served contaminated water. But, all the patients are said to be stable.
Dengue: 79 confirmed cases, two deaths so far this year
Now, let's see how dengue has captured India's financial capital. Till now, 1,183 people reportedly had dengue-like symptoms, of which at least 79 are confirmed. Last month, a 32-year-old Kurla woman died of dengue. With less rain and weather change, mosquito-breeding will increase, warned doctors.
