BMC can't afford to ignore dengue

Four deaths reported this month; doctors say patients shouldn't self-medicate

After malaria, which has the civic authorities on tenterhook, it is now the turn of another mosquito-borne killer, dengue, to rear its head.
On Monday, dengue claimed the life of doctor Rajan Palav, 32. Palav is the fourth case of dengue death in the city since August. Over 181 patients have been in its grip since the beginning of this month, a civic health department official said.
In July, 77 patients were detected with dengue and it claimed one life. Last year, at least 15 lives were lost and over 250 patients were diagnosed with dengue, in the four-month monsoon period.
There has been a steady rise in dengue cases, claim general practitioners from across the city. "The civic authority is completely focused on malaria control and is ignoring other diseases," said Dr SN Acharya, a Kurla-based general practitioner. "Not every fever turns out to be serious. However, it is best not to ignore any fever and do not indulge in self-medication."
Dr Khushrav Bajan, an intensivist, said monsoon-related ailments follow a pattern. "Every year, malaria and leptospirosis arrive towards the beginning of monsoon. This is then followed by dengue, which peaks towards September."
The test for dengue is costly — about Rs800 — so many patients opt to receive symptomatic treatment on OPD basis. "Consulting a doctor is a must," said Dr Satish Ahire, general practitioner.
Dengue is more fatal than swine flu. Dengue has a mortality rate of 5-10%, whereas it's only 2% in swine flu. "People with fever shouldn't self-medicate," said Dr Sanjay Oak, dean, KEM hospital.