The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai on July 17 cautioned the residents to keep a check on diseases like dengue and leptospirosis, which are likely to record a surge in the coming weeks. According to the civic body’s data, 46 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in the city between January 1 and July 17 this year, while 40 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in Maharashtra until July 11. The civic body has surveyed around 7, 78, 709 houses providing prophylactic treatment for prevention of leptospirosis between July 7 and July 17.

According to Dr Tehsin A Petiwala, consultant gastroenterologist, endoscopist and hepatologist, leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria called ‘Leptospira’ and mainly spreads through exposure to urine of infected animals either through direct or indirect contact with soil or water contaminated by their urine. The bacteria can survive in freshwater for up to 16 days and in soil for almost 24 days and can invade one’s body through breaks in the skin such as scratches or open wounds. It can also enter the body through nose, mouth, or genitals.