MONSOON AILMENTS UPDATE

 

117 down with gastro in Byculla
Mumbai: Even as monsoonrelated ailments in the city are seeing an alarming rise, the BMC hospitals, within 24 hours admitted as many as 117 people with gastroenteritis from areas in Byculla like Hindustan Mills Compound, Khatau mills and Kaala Pani compound.
    Following the cases, the BMC carried out a survey of 2,000 homes and distributed chlorine tablets to residents. “We found that the source of contamination is the tanker water,’’ said additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar.
    Apart from contaminated water, roadside food may be another reason for an upset stomach, say doctors.
    BMC health officials say action is being taken to control water contamination. “We are expecting the number of ailments to come down,’’ said Mhaiskar.
Fifteen test positive for swine flu
Mumbai: As 15 more people tested positive for H1N1 on Friday, the BMC cautioned that increased numbers could be because of random testing in private labs. Since the onset of monsoon this year, 123 people have tested positive and nine have died due to swine flu.
    The BMC said it is on a high alert and closely monitoring the situation. Pregnant women and children have to be particularly cautious. “Since the epidemic began, 59 pregnant women out of 485 have died due to swine flu. There is a slight increase in the number of pregnant women testing positive,’’ said Dr Pradeep Awate, in charge, swine flu cell.
    Civic health officials say the symptoms of the disease have changed. Executive health officer Dr Girish Ambe. “Body ache and arthritis are common,’’ he said.