**ALERT** Monsoon diseases are on the prowl

Rains are here and temperatures down. Freaking out and savouring pani-puris and hot dalwadas amid the splashes can be real fun. But are you prepared to face the dangers that go with it. Hidden in these treats' are nasty micro-organisms that are waiting to attack and throw a spanner on your joys.

Threat of mosquitoes carriers of deadly diseases is looming large over the city. Already patients are lining up at clinics and hospitals complaining of monsoon diseases'.

Dengue and malaria are spreading tentacles. In a recent survey, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials found that one out of every 140 houses was breeding mosquitoes in new west zone alone. Khadia, situated in the walled city, has the highest mosquito density, the survey revealed.

City-based consultant paediatrician Dr Raju Shah says, "Cases of diarrhoea, dengue and malaria are on the rise, especially after showers in the city. These are all water-borne diseases. Kids are most vulnerable to these diseases. Those belonging to the lower-middle class are the hardest hit."

Fever, body ache and mild cold, accompanied by diarrhoea, are some of the common ailments that people are complaining about. Dr Rajesh Rajpal, a general physician, said, "In the last three to four days, the number of patients complaining of viral fever and diarrhoea have almost doubled. More than 80 per cent of cases are of viral infection and it spreads very fast as it is air borne."

And what about AMC's preparedness to tackle the situation. Medical officer, AMC, Suhas Kulkarni said, "The delayed monsoon in the city has given us ample time to carry out our anti-mosquito drive in all the municipal zones of AMC. The corporation has been conducting health awareness camps and focussing on source reduction of mosquitoes breeding areas. We collect blood samples from 19 primary health centres of AMC when a patient comes complaining about high fever."