Slug: AMC DataAhmedabad: From Sept 1 to 20, the city recorded 496 dengue cases. To put the figure in perspective, the city has recorded 1,084 dengue cases since Jan 1, indicating that 46% of the total cases were recorded in the past 20 days.The sudden spike in dengue cases is attributed to sporadic rain spells the city experienced in Aug and Sept and the subsequent mosquito breeding.Data issued by AMC on Tuesday indicated that along with dengue, the city also recorded 70 cases of malaria, 22 cases of falciparum malaria, and 7 cases of chikungunya.City-based hospitals and clinics have reported a spike in fever cases. Experts said that along with vector-borne diseases, cases of flu, including H1N1 flu, are also rampant, with high hospitalisation rates for persons with existing health conditions.“AMC has already launched efforts to curb mosquito breeding with zone-wise and ward-wise checking of usual spots of waterlogging or premises where water accumulation can occur,” said a senior AMC official. “Commercial establishments, especially construction sites, are being inspected, and premises are sealed if mosquito breeding is found.”Officials added that breeding is higher in areas with numerous construction sites. “In addition, rainwater collecting on terraces and in basements of residential and commercial buildings also fosters mosquito breeding,” the official said. “These structures are being inspected as well.”The official added, “Rainwater accumulating in open plots across the city also provides breeding grounds, which are being sprayed with pesticides.”From Jan 1, the city has recorded 1,084 cases of dengue, 386 cases of malaria, 69 cases of falciparum malaria, and 14 cases of chikungunya.Additionally, the health department of AMC has recorded 4,060 cases of gastroenteritis (diarrhoea-vomiting), 580 cases of jaundice, and 1,591 cases of typhoid.AMC officials said that over the past 20 days, 33,259 water samples from various city zones were tested for chlorine levels, of which four tested negative.Furthermore, 4,873 water samples underwent bacteriological testing, with 13 samples declared unfit for consumption.City-based physicians said they expect cases of both flu and vector-borne diseases to rise in the coming days.The physicians said that with the city recently getting a fresh spell of rain, the cycle may continue in Oct, leading to more fever cases.“Do not ignore a fever which persists for more than a day and is accompanied by other symptoms such as body ache, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding,” said a city-based physician. “Do not self-medicate. Take a physician’s advice. Remain hydrated, and if susceptible to bouts of flu, wear a mask while going to crowded places.”
