BITING TRUTH

Mosquitoes spread their wings in Virar, Bhayander

Mumbai: Malaria has gripped the extended suburbs of Vasai-Virar and Mira Bhayander as well. These regions have witnessed a steady rise in the number of malaria cases. Public health centres and private hospitals are being inundated with patients.
    In June and July, Virar, Nalasopara, Vasai and Manikpur registered as many as 192 malaria cases. These are figures of patients visiting or being admitted to public health centres in the region. The number of patients who visited private clinics and hospitals is much more, said doctors. The region has also seen a few malaria deaths.
    In a bid to check the surge in malaria cases, the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has started levying fines on those who throw garbage in the open. Shops and commercial establishments are also being fined for failing to keep their surroundings clean.
    Garbage piles in villages and stagnant water at construction sites have turned into breeding grounds for mosquitoes, said doctors.
    VVMC records show that construction activities are on in full swing at Vasai and Nalasopara and no fogging has been undertaken at these sites.
    In Mira-Bhayander, over 1,000 malaria patients are being treated at various private hospitals and clinics. The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) records show 31 malaria cases in June and 41 in July.
    Though civic officials insist that municipal figures are accurate, doctors said that several more malaria patients were being treated at private clinics.
    Along with malaria, dengue patients are also being treated in Vasai-Virar and Mira-Bhayander.
    In Vasai-Virar, 33 people were reported to be down with dengue while at least 15 were undergoing dengue treatment in Mira-Bhayander.