Mumbai records highest pre-monsoon malaria cases

Maharashtra has recorded 10,072 malaria cases and seven deaths due to the disease between January and May. Greater Mumbai tops the list with 2,688 positive cases and four deaths. But the number of cases (13,501 in the same period last year) and the number of deaths (last year 18) have dropped due to effective cleanliness drives and strict implementation of measures suggested by the national malaria control strategy. The maximum number of cases this year 2014 after Mumbai are Thane (576), Kalyan (127), Bhiwandi (92), Navi Mumbai (63), Mira Bhayander(49), Vasai Virar (41), Nashik (36) and Ulhasnagar (18). "Pre-monsoon malaria has emerged as a distinct entity. Weather conditions, rapid urbanization and large-scale construction activities provide conducive conditions for mosquitoes. But a consolidated surveillance has resulted in better detection of cases," said Kanchan Jagtap, joint director, state public health department, Mumbai.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mumbai-tops-state-in-pre-monsoon-malaria-cases/articleshow/37101756.cms