November rain on Thursday evening and Friday must have caught people off guard but also brought some respite from the heat; however,doctors are now worried as it has increased chances of a further rise in viral cases in the city, including dengue.
Dr Jalil Parker, chest physician at Lilavati Hospital, said, "This weather is perfect for viral diseases to thrive as the pollutants lay low. Hospitals are still seeing a high number of dengue cases, followed by upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract diseases."
According to the MET department, the sudden change in weather was because of a low pressure area created in Lakshwadeep right up to the South Gujarat coast. The maximum and minimum temperatures in November are edging on extremes, between 35 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. In addition to it, high levels of humidity — 87% in Colaba and 69% in Santa Cruz — have been contributing towards unseasonal showers.
"A lot of people feel under the weather when season changes. We are getting a high number of people with throat infection and respiratory tract infection, apart from dengue," said Dr Pratit Samdhani, general physician, Jaslok Hospital.
While doctors have warned against self-medication, they said any kind of fever shouldn't be taken lightly. "Avoid taking aspirin/brufen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. People with co-morbid factors, like diabetes and hypertension, or those having chronic ailment, should be more careful," said Dr Subodh Kedia, physician practising in Kalanagar, Bandra.
Meanwhile, BMC's health department has started its special dengue drive, where it is micro-mapping the areas seeing more dengue cases and is trying to find the breeding spots of the aedes mosquito. With the unseasonal rains, the department is requesting Mumbaikars to ensure water accumulation is avoided to stop breeding.
So far, dengue has claimed 13, including a 23-year-old resident doctor from KEM hospital.
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