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With heavy monsoon showers and widespread waterlogging across Mumbai, healthcare experts at Apex Group of Hospitals have urged citizens to remain vigilant against leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, typhoid, and diarrhoeal illnesses.
Leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that spreads through water contaminated with the urine of infected rats and other animals. Flooded streets, open drains, and stagnant water significantly increase the risk of infection during the rainy season.
According to civic health data, Mumbai reported approximately 286 leptospirosis cases in 2022, more than 335 cases during the first five months of 2023, even before the peak monsoon, and around 140 cases during the first half of 2024, reflecting the city's continued vulnerability during the rainy season. Experts at Apex Group of Hospitals emphasise that awareness and early medical intervention are essential to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Dr Karan Thakkar, physician & medical expert, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, said, "Leptospirosis often begins with symptoms resembling those of a common viral fever, including high fever, severe body ache, headache, chills, and vomiting. If left untreated, the infection can rapidly affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain, leading to organ failure, internal bleeding, and even death. People who walk through floodwater, sanitation workers, delivery personnel, and those living in waterlogged areas should seek medical attention promptly if they develop fever after such exposure."
Dr Thakkar further advised citizens to avoid walking through stagnant water whenever possible, wear protective footwear, maintain good hand hygiene, consume safe drinking water, and avoid self-medication. Individuals with persistent fever lasting more than 24–48 hours, yellowing of the eyes, breathlessness, or reduced urine output should seek immediate medical care. Doctors also stress that early diagnosis and timely antibiotic treatment can significantly reduce complications and mortality.
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