Malaria cases in G South ward see decline

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G South, which has long been considered an endemic ward for malaria - along with F South and G North - has reported cases in the hundreds. There were 114 malaria cases detected from July 1 to July 21 against 6,492 blood smears, and four more cases were reported subsequently. Additionally, there were 93 cases in June against 6,450 smears.

"But it is now declining," noted Dr Virendra Mohite, medical officer of health, G South ward. In the first week of the month, there were 78 malaria cases in the ward, in the second week, they fell to 24, and in the third week, they stood at 12.

These cases were primarily due to construction sites around BDD chawls. However, the pest control department took immediate action. "The pest control department issued 10-point notices to construction companies to ensure compliance and rectify the issue at the earliest," Dr Mohite said.

BMC health department head Daksha Shah said that many defunct mills in these wards have become breeding sites for anopheles mosquitoes. "There are also many areas in these wards that are inaccessible for pest control activities," Dr Shah said.

Meanwhile, Mumbai reported its first dengue death on July 21. The patient was a 49-year-old woman. The city has at least one more active case of serious complications due to dengue. "One should not ignore any high-grade fever," said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, from Parel hospital.