No 'Kaala Azar' in Mumbai, say health officials

Mumbai, Apr 30 (UNI) Health authorities in the metropolis today clarified that 'Kala Azar' was not prevalent in the city but admitted that two patients from Bihar were undergoing treatment for the disease.

The Health officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said Mumbaikars need not worry about the disease, which is common in Asom, West Bengal, Bihar, eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh, foothills of Sikkim and also in Tamil Nadu and Orissa.

'Kala Azar' is transmitted by female 'Sand-Fly' (Phlebotomine argentipes) that is not found in Mumbai. Hence, the generation and spread of this disease is not possible in the city, they said.

People living in houses, with cow-dung layered flooring, or people involved in farming, mining and fishing are at a great risk of being bitten by the sand-flY.

People, afflicted by the disease, show symptoms of fever and enlarged spleen and liver accompanied by anaemia and weight loss.

Executive Health officer of BMC Dr Jayraj Thhanekar said, '' Months of March-April and November are supposed to be the seasons of the spread of this disease. As the disease is not generated and cannot spread in Mumbai, there is no question of an epidemic.

However, the insecticide department has been asked to be alert and take regular measures against all types of flies seen around garbage dumps.'' UNI MR OBB AD GC1715