The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) created a unique campaign to raise awareness about mosquito control strategies to combat dengue and other diseases.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a novel campaign to raise awareness about mosquito control methods in response to the unexpected spike in mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue.
According to the BMC’s monsoon report released on Tuesday, there was an increase in dengue, leptospirosis, and H1N1 incidences in the first half of July compared to June 2024.The ‘Bhaag Machhar Bhag’ campaign has been launched in response to an increase in Dengue cases. From July 1 to July 15, 165 cases were registered, up from 93 in June.
Similarly, the number of leptospirosis cases has increased to 52 from 28 in June. H1N1 influenza cases increased from 10 in June to 53 in the first half of July.
As a result, the BMC has launched the ‘Bhag Machchar Bhag’ campaign, which promotes mosquito control measures through short videos and messages from Marathi and Hindi entertainment personalities. The city has also instructed homeowners to do whatever it takes to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, utilize mosquito nets, and wear protective clothing.
Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant (internal medicine), Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, who has been treating 5-6 dengue and H1N1 cases on average since last week, told HT, “There are vaccines available for both H1N1 and pneumonia. Taking these immunizations will help prevent certain diseases, which have symptoms such as high fever, bodily ache, and chills.
She emphasized the need for residents over 60 to get the pneumonia vaccine, especially those with diabetes and other comorbidities, because “dengue cases will rise in August and September.” A US police officer who chuckled after Indian student Jaahnavi’s death is fired.
Dr. Umang Agarwal, infectious diseases consultant at PD Hinduja Hospital in Mahim, stated that he sees multiple H1N1 and dengue patients every week. “The age group varies. We’ve seen patients as young as 18 and as old as 82 come to us with these flus,” she told HT.
There have also been incidents of people coming in with covid and influenza,” he said, adding that the elderly are the most vulnerable, with few ending up in the intensive care unit. “Currently, we have three such patients, and we have not been able to take them off oxygen,” she said.
In addition to vaccinations, Dr. Umang recommended social distancing, mask use, proper hygiene, and not allowing water to accumulate near the house.
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