Pune: Come monsoons and a slew of diseases would surface up adding to the cause of worries to Puneites!

First Swine flu, dengue and now malaria seems to tightening its grip on the citizens of the city more avidly.

Following the same set of information, we take this space to inform about the recent four reported deaths from malarial infection in and around the vicinity of Pune, recently.

There were four malarial deaths reported and most of the people died from the cerebral malaria.

Cerebral malaria is a condition in which the fever caused due to malaria goes up the brain and stops the vein to function, causing severe damage to the brain and as a result the victim goes in to the coma and suffers convulsions.

The main killer identified has been the falciparum strain of malaria.

In rainy season, theses cases are on their all time high as the reproduction of the mosquitoes increases by many folds.

People living in low-lying areas or near thick shrubs are the most likely victims. Also during the season of rains, water logging becomes a common sight and mosquito bites become common amongst people crossing these areas.

According to the Sassoon hospitals Pune, though there are only four deaths reported but chances are of many out there as most of them go unreported.

Though Mumbai has topped the list for malarial casualty with more than 90% cases, Pune also needs to pull its socks up to avoid being victim of this dangerous infection.

Of the 232 reported cases of Malaria, 206 of them have been reported from Mumbai in the year 2009-2010.

“The number of malaria, dengue and chikungunya cases reported by the civic body’s health department is just the tip of the iceberg. Majority of dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases remain vastly under-reported,”

Mr. Avinash Bhondwe, former president of the city unit of IMA was quipped as saying on various issues concerning our area of reporting.

People also need to take preventive measures to tackle the case like using nets and mosquito coils, lotions, repellents and chemicals to kill the same.

They shall also take special care of children and dress them accordingly and if any symptoms pertaining to malaria are observed, the victim shall be immediately referred to a medical practitioner.

Enjoy the rains, have a blast this monsoon but not at the risk of your health and also keep a close vigil on your and your loved ones health.

We at Punesite.com hope that our pleas won’t fall on deaf ears and people will act as responsible citizens and live cautiously this monsoon and ever!

- Md. Waliur Rahman