13 dengue deaths in Maha last month, 9 in MMR alone

MUMBAI: Of the 13 dengue-related deaths in the state last month, nine were from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the state’s latest health report said. Of these, five deaths were recorded in Kalyan-Dombivli — highest among all civic regions in the state. Dr Smita Rode, chief health officer, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), however, said the deaths have not been confirmed. Two deaths each werereportedinMira-Bhayandar. and Mumbai.

Dr Kanchan Jagtap, joint director of health services of the state, said a majority of cases have been

reported in urban areas that are filled with construction sites , creating an ideal environment for mosquito breeding. “There is no change in the virological pattern of dengue in the state. Civic issues are at the helm of it,” she said.

Doctors in Mumbai said the numbers of dengue deaths are lesser this year compared to last year, despite a surge in cases this year. Dr Anita Mathew, infectious disease specialist, LTMG Sion Hospital, cited timely diagnosis and treatment as reasons for the drop. “This year, a lot of the dengue deaths have been a result of co-morbidities such hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

The city’s executive health officer told HT that the number of dengue cases is expected to go downbecausethemosquitobreeding sites have reduced after the monsoon season. However, she cautioned that people in residential areas must to careful about not allowing stagnant water to collect indoors.