Mumbai is seeing an upsurge in swine flu cases, rising from just two in June to 62 confirmed cases in the past 24 days, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This brings the total number of cases in the city this year to 66, which is higher than the past two years which saw 64 and 44 swine flu cases in 2021 and 2020 respectively. The BMC has issued a notice asking residents to take adequate precautionary measures.
What does the BMC notice say?
The Mumbai civic body has asked people to maintain hygiene and avoid entering crowded places. Since swine flu is a communicable disease, basic steps such as covering your nose when sneezing, coughing with a handkerchief or handkerchief, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, mouth, etc. should be followed as a precaution, said Dr Mangala Gomare, Chief Health Officer, BMC in the advisory. .
She also urged people to avoid self-medication and visit a nearby BMC health post/dispensary/hospital for treatment in case of high fever, breathing difficulties or blue color of skin or lips. One should not delay in seeking treatment as this can lead to complications.
Vulnerable groups such as people with co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, pregnant women and the elderly are advised to be more cautious.
Which parts of Mumbai are most affected?
From January 1, 2022 to July 24, 2022, a total of 1,66,132 people were screened for swine flu, of which 62 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus were found, Deputy Director of Health Services (Mumbai circle) The Dr Gauri Rathod said in a NDTV report.
The most affected parts are in the circle of Mumbai which also includes the neighboring districts of Thane, Palghar and Raigad. Pune, Palghar and Nashik recorded 23, 22 and 17 cases of infection respectively, reported Live Mint.
According to health officials, most cases have mild symptoms of a sore throat and cough. Only seniors with multiple comorbidities should be hospitalized.
Two Thane patient deaths were reported in the past week. These were the first reported deaths from the H1N1 virus in the Mumbai circle this year.
Meanwhile, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced that free swine flu tests will be provided to citizens. People with a doctor’s referral can visit Civic Corps Health Centers across Thane to take advantage of the free testing facility.
Cases of the H1N1 flu (swine flu) are also increasing in other parts of the country. Authorities have been prompted to act as Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have also confirmed several cases of swine flu.
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