10 test positive for leptospirosis in last week: BMC report

BMC's latest report shows that 10 Mumbaikars have tested positive for leptospirosis. Sixteen people died of the disease in the city early this month.

"Between July 20 and 27, 10 people have tested positive for leptospirosis," confirmed Dr Mini Khetrapal, epidemeology in-charge in BMC.

According to the BMC, the 10 patients are stable and recovering. The report says four are from F-north ward, two from E ward and one each from K-east, P-south and M-east wards.

The BMC has written to the state government, seeking help from animal husbandry department experts. "We need veterinary experts to study the strain of leptospira that's in circulation in Mumbai. We had sent samples to the Regional Medical Research Centre in Port Blair and it has not shown any mutation. However, we need to find out the common leptospira strain in the city. We are also taking help of Bombay Veterinary College," said Khetrapal.

BMC health officials said most of these patients came late to hospital. "We need to diagnose the infection early to start treatment within the first three to five days after the onset of symptoms. A simple blood test and medication can cure leptospirosis, provided it is picked up early. That makes the chances of a patient's recovery higher," said Khetrapal.