Mumbai has witnessed a marginal increase in Chikungunya cases compared to June, a report said.

In July, Mumbai reported 24 cases of Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease commonly seen during the monsoon. This marked an increase from the eight cases reported in June. Chikungunya is spread by the bite of female Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, which are also responsible for transmitting Dengue fever.

The health experts stated that the Chikungunya virus causes this disease, and the common symptoms are fever, body aches, persistent joint pains and skin rashes.

Dr Paritosh Baghel, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL Raheja Hospital Mahim said, “As compared to last year, there has been no unexpected increase in the number of cases as of now. Therefore, in order to prevent Chikungunya, one should take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing full-sleeved clothes, applying mosquito repellent creams and using mosquito nets etc.”

Dr Baghel said that Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes breed in stagnant fresh water such as pots, tyres, so emptying such collected water is a good way to prevent the spread of Chikungunya.”

“We are witnessing a rise in the cases of Chikungunya and Dengue, but the numbers are not alarming as of now. Most patients with Chikungunya get better in terms of the fever within about a week`s time, however, the body ache, pains, and arthritis that are seen post-Chikungunya can last for a couple of weeks or months,” said Dr Anita Mathew, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.

The report also revealed that in 2022, only two Chikungunya cases were reported in July.

“There is no vaccine for Chikungunya as of now, and it is a self-limiting illness. A majority of patients get better without medication, just with symptomatic treatment,” added Dr Mathew.

According to the monsoon report released by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), compared to last month, there has been no increase in water-borne diseases, however, there has been an increase in vector-borne diseases. Most of the cases are mild and are being treated at outpatient clinics.

Besides Chikungunya, Mumbai also reported 721 malaria cases and 579 dengue cases in July.

In June this year, Mumbai reported 676 malaria cases and 353 dengue cases.

“To prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, the workplace, residence, and surroundings must be kept clean. Mosquito larvae live in standing water, the larvae require only minimal amounts of water, and even something as small as a puddle of water on a discarded plastic container can house them, odd articles such as tins, thermocol boxes, coconut shells, tires, which must be removed. Maintain cleanliness around houses,” Mumbai`s civic body BMC said in an advisory.

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