Mumbai: Rainwater-related ailments have claimed the lives of six people, including two minors, in the past two weeks: three succumbed to dengue, one to malaria and two to leptospirosis. The last is emerging as this season’s biggest killer, having claimed 11 lives so far. In comparison, there have been only four dengue-related and two malaria-related deaths.
A BMC official said among the dengue victims was a 20-year-old man, whose platelet levels fell drastically, leading to thrombocytopenia. Tests revealed he had ‘mixed infection’ and had contracted malaria as well, leading to his death on August 18. A 35-year-old man and a woman aged 52 died of dengue shock syndrome and multiple organ failure respectively. The two leptospirosis victims include a seven year old boy, who died of pulmonary haemorrhage and man, 35, who suffered multiple organ failure. The malaria victim is a three-year-old girl.
A civic health official said, “Cases begin increasing from September, when the weather is favourable for dengue-spreading aedes mosquito to breed. There is no specific treatment for dengue, and patients have to be treated symptomatically. People should be aware and seek medical help if symptoms arise.” He added that after the deaths, a house survey, rodent-control measures, fogging and larvicidal measures were carried out in those areas, and elsewhere.
Dr. Pratit Samdani, who practices at several south Mumbai hospitals, said he has seen around 15 dengue and five malaria cases in the past two weeks. “Many are coming in with viral pneumonia and viral diarrhoea, especially senior citizens, which is an unusual trend being seen this season. I have patients with coronavirus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus and enteroviruses.”
