Four more succumb to monsoon-related diseases

Mumbai, July 16 (UNI) Four more people succumbed to monsoon-related diseases today, taking the toll to 34, after a heavy spell of rains in the Metropolis.

Three of the four deceased were suffering from high fever and one from malaria, said Health officials.

The 3 deceased were undergoing treatment at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEM) and one at Kasturba hospital. With this, the total number of deaths reported at KEM has risen to 11.

''All the four patients, who were rushed to the hospital underwent treatment for only 10-12 hours, and their condition was critical,'' said Jairaj Thanekar, Health Officer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Mr Thanekar said the deceased were slum and footpath dwellers and the people from these areas are generally reluctant in seeking treatment, even when suffering from high fever.

''The health officials tell the people about safety measures and even distribute free medicines, but still deaths occur due to people's reluctance towards treatment,'' he added.

Meanwhile, in Kolhapur, a 65-year-old man died today due to leptospirosis, becoming the first victim of the water-borne disease in the district.

UNI