Mumbai: BMC data shows decline in monsoon-related diseases

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has reported a decline in monsoonrelated diseases in Mumbai According to its Epid Cell Public Health Department data issued on October 10 indicates a notable reduction in cases when compared to the previous weeks encompassing various illnesses including malaria and dengueThe number of cases increased in the year 2023 since the reporting units were augmented from 22 to 880 across the cities The units include BMCdispensaries BMC Hospitals HBT clinics additional private labs and private hospitalsAccording to the civic bodys data from October 18 Mumbai reported 211 cases as opposed to 1313 in the previous month Meanwhile Dengue cases also noticed a drastic dip as many as 250 cases were reported in October which is a significant drop from 1360 in SeptemberAction taken by BMCThe BMC conducted a thorough housetohouse fever survey covering 350000 houses and surveying a population of 1750000 As part of this effort 29823 blood slides were collected for malaria and 2033 individuals were provided prophylaxis for leptospirosis The BMC also organized 34 health camps and conducted 17 workplace interventionsTo address waterborne diseases the BMC tested 840 water samples Additionally 2598 oral rehydration solution ORS packets were distributed for gastroenteritis and 1347 chlorine tablets were distributed for water disinfectionIn an attempt to control leptospirosis the BMC undertook measures to eliminate rats A total of 420 rats were killed through poison baiting and Celphos fumigation while 825 rats were trapped Night Rat Killing NRK organisations contributed significantly by killing 9231 ratsVector control activities were pivotal in reducing the spread of diseases For malaria control 5442 houses and 17617 breeding sources were inspected with 567 Anopheles mosquito breeding sites detected In the case of dengue control 324582 houses and 345210 containers were inspected leading to the detection of 5102 Aedes mosquito breeding sites Fogging operations were also extensive with 5577 machine fillings covering 15968 building premises and 203581 hutsAdvisory for PreventionThe BMC has issued vital advisories to prevent vectorborne diseases such as malaria and dengue Residents are encouraged to use mosquito nets while sleeping wear complete clothing to avoid mosquito bites and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to prevent mosquito breeding In cases of symptoms like fever headache rashes muscle and joint pain vomiting or diarrhoea individuals are advised not to selfmedicate but to consult the nearest BMC health post dispensary or hospital promptlyThe decline in monsoonrelated diseases in Mumbai is a testament to the BMCs proactive approach to public health The organizations meticulous efforts in conducting surveys implementing control measures and disseminating preventive advisories have collectively contributed to safeguarding the health of the citys residents during the monsoon season The BMC remains committed to its mission of ensuring the wellbeing of the community and mitigating the impact of monsoonrelated health risks