Mumbai reports 398 cases of malaria in last 3 weeks

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In the month of September so far, Mumbai has reported 398 cases of malaria, 139 cases of dengue and 208 gastro cases. According to the public health department of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the number of H1N1 cases have decreased rapidly in the month of September in comparison to previous months.

Only six cases of H1N1 were reported in the city, this month. Speaking about the number of malaria cases visited on an OPD basis, Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals said, "We have been observing one to two dengue and around four malaria patients daily. Malaria spreads by the bite of a female Anopheles Mosquito. It can be life-threatening in serious cases if there is evidence of a high parasitic index and not treated at the right time. The symptoms of malaria are fever, sweating, chills, headache, and fatigue."

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He added, "The number of leptospirosis and H1N1 cases are very less in the city."

As per the BMC, they have observed that there has been no significant rise in cases when compared to the last three years.

Speaking about preventive measures to be taken by the citizens, BMC official said, "Citizens should not take self-medication and consult a nearby BMC health post/dispensary/hospital immediately for treatment if there is a history of high fever, difficulty in breathing, or blue color of skin or lips. Treatment should not be delayed because it leads to complications and risks of death."

"There is an increase in the number of cases of fever which are like common flu. This does overlap other symptoms related to monsoon like dengue, malaria where patients are presenting with high-grade fever and headache. It is very important to differentiate one from another," Dr Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist, and infectious disease specialist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur.