BMC gears up to tackle leptospirosis

Mumbai : The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said it has prepared a comprehensive plan to prevent and control leptospirosis, which had claimed several lives in the city last year.

The civic administration said it has involved several of its departments, including Pest Control, Water, Insecticide and Animal Disease Control in tackling this deadly disease.

"With an aim to curb the menace of leptospirosis, the administration has taken various initiatives with the coordination of various departments. It includes inspection of cattle sheds, killing of rats, dog immunisations and also taking criminal action under IPC sections against those whose negligent act likely to spread the disease," the BMC said.

"At present, there is 46 per cent bed occupancy in the government-run hospitals as compared to 53 per cent in the corresponding period last year. More than 58 per cent of cases are viral influenza, followed by gastroenteritis (12 per cent) and all these cases are negative for H1N1," the statement added.

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild such as headaches, muscle pains, and fevers; to severe with bleeding from the lungs or meningitis.

Between July 18 and 24, as many as 116 patients suspected to be suffering from leptospirosis have been admitted in hospitals.

In its guideline, the civic body said, "During monsoon there is possibility of stagnant water getting mixed with animal waste. Hence, people are requested not to walk barefoot and wash their legs after walking through water and seek immediate medical help if they have fever.