PUNE: With prolonged rainfall this year, there has been a substantial increase in vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya across Maharashtra. Till July 15 this year, Maharashtra reported 1,231 cases of dengue. As per the cases reported by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), until November-end, the numbers increased to 12,374 cases.
Furthermore, NVBDCP data suggests there have been 4,328 suspected cases of chikungunya till November-end this year.
1,378 cases were confirmed in the State. As many areas in the State received heavy rainfall between July-end and November-end, this increased the number of cases that can be seen.
Speaking to Sakal Times, State Entomologist Dr Mahendra Jagtap said that in flooded areas, after the water subsides, it takes at least 15 more days for dengue and malaria to get favourable conditions.
However, the residents should be more aware of their surroundings once the water recedes. Residents should drink water after boiling and keep a check on water-borne diseases. There is a need for more awareness among people, said Dr Jagtap.
Dr Mahesh Lakhe, a consultant at city-based Columbia Asia Hospital said that until a few years ago, dengue occurred with rains when humidity was rising. However, now, the pattern of incidence has changed due to the shift in climatic patterns and other factors. Climate change has a profound effect on the global distribution and burden of infectious diseases and the range of mosquito-borne diseases may expand due to climate change, said Dr Lakhe.He added that dengue is a severe and flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults.
Dengue is characterised by a high fever (104°F) that is accompanied by two of the following symptoms - severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rashes and the symptoms usually last for 2 to 7 days, said Dr Lakhe.
PUNE
After the heavy flooding in the city since July, many places reported stagnant water. Hence, dengue cases were also on the rise. Maximum cases reported in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits were 465 in October. In the same month, 264 cases of chikungunya were also reported in the PMC limits.
VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES RISE ACROSS INDIA
- Across India, 1,36,422 cases were reported for dengue and 132 deaths were also reported between January 1 and November-end.
- Across India, 65,217 suspected cases were reported for chikungunya and 9,477 confirmed cases were reported till November-end this year.
(Source: National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme)
