BMC issues advisory on leptospirosis after heavy rain in Mumbai

The BMC has issued an advisory on leptospirosis (a bacterial disease) following heavy rainfall in the city. In an advisory, the BMC has warned that the cases of leptospirosis cases may spike.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday issued an advisory on leptospirosis (a bacterial disease) following heavy rainfall in Mumbai. In an advisory, the BMC has warned that due to heavy rain that lashed Mumbai the previous day and the "very heavy" rain which has been predicted in the city, the cases of leptospirosis cases may spike. People are more likely to get infected with leptospirosis if they travel, wade through waterlogged roads or walk without wearing gumboots. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. Individuals, exposed to such waters, are more likely to be infected with leptospirosis. "Citizens have to walk through stagnant or flowing water during heavy rains. The same water may contain leptospirosis, a bacterium called leptospira. Lepto microorganisms are transmitted to rainwater through the urine of animals such as rats, dogs, horses, buffaloes, etc. If a person comes in contact with such contaminated water, he is more likely to be infected with leptospirosis," Dr Mangala Gomare, Executive Health Officer, told India Today TV.