In view of the rising number of malaria cases in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued an advisory to the citizens to maintain maximum caution.
The latest report by the Public Health Department of the BMC states that from January 1, 2021 to September 12, 2021, Mumbai recorded a total of 3,606 cases, with August alone reporting 848 cases.
People have been directed to take all necessary measures to prevent indoor breeding of larva, and keep the surrounding areas clean by adhering to proper disposal of waste including coconut shells, thermocol boxes, tyres and so on. Additionally, the BMC has advised its citizens to use mosquito nets, window screens, and proper clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
ALSO READ: Covid-19 has disrupted fight against HIV, TB, Malaria in over 100 countries
According to the advisory, people have been asked not to take self-medication and consult nearby MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) health institutions or private medical practitioners immediately if there are symptoms of fever, headache, rashes, muscle and joint pain. In this regard, treatment should not be delayed as it may lead to complications, increasing the risk of fatality.
BMC adds that it is in proactive mode and has already inspected 4,46,077 households and has detected and destroyed 4,108 mosquito breeding spots.
Dr. Manish Mavani, general physician at Bhatia Hospital Mumbai, said that a proper drainage system should be in place to let the water out and not allow water to be stagnant, as this leads to diseases like leptospirosis, and creates breeding ground for mosquitoes.
ASLO READ: Gujarat: Dengue, malaria, chikungunya cases up by 110% since January
“Water gets accumulated at sites posing a risk of dengue and malaria. Immediate clearance of garbage on the road should be done to keep away from flies and mosquitoes,” he said.
He further adds, “Full-sleeved clothing should be worn to protect people from mosquito bites. People should ensure that there is no water collection in and around their house. Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquitoes causing malaria and dengue. Societies should get the overhead water tank cleaned from time to time to make sure the water is good for use.”
Dr Mavani added that people should take certain measures like installing water cleaning instruments, including filters, and ensure to boil water before drinking. This would prevent diseases like typhoid and other gastro-issues caused by drinking unhealthy water.
From January 1 to September 12, 151 cases of leptospirosis, 305 cases of dengue, 1,964 cases of gastro-issues, 179 cases of hepatitis and 52 cases of H1N1 virus have been detected in Mumbai.
ALSO WATCH: Mathura hospitals overwhelmed as more villages report viral fever cases
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/mumbai/story/mumbai-civic-body-issues-advisory-amid-rising-number-of-malaria-cases-1852779-2021-09-14
