New Delhi: Mumbai's civic health department has denied any outbreak of of 'kaala azar' (black fever) in the city.
After two cases 'kaala azar' or leismaniasis were reported in the city last week, there was speculation about an outbreak of the disease in the financial capital of India.
However, the health officials clarified on Monday that the 'kaala azar' patients found in Mumbai had come from Bihar for the treatment of the disease.
Patients with black fever are rarely found in Mumbai and they invariably contract the disease outside Maharashtra, BMC Executive Health Officer Jayraj Thanekar said in a press statement.
The disease is common in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, foothills of Sikkim and also in Tamil Nadu and Orissa, he said.
The disease is transmitted by female 'sand-fly' (phlebotomine argentipes) that is not found in Mumbai. So, the generation and spread of this disease is not possible in the metropolis, Thanekar said.
People living in houses with cowdung layered flooring or people involved in farming, mining and fishing are at a great risk of being bitten by sand-flies.
Those afflicted by the disease show symptoms such as fever, enlarged spleen and liver accompanied by anaemia and weight loss.
"March, April and November are supposed to be the months which report spread of the disease. As the disease is not generated in Mumbai, there is no question of an epidemic," he said.
However, the insecticide department of BMC has been asked to be on alert and take regular measures, he added.
(With agency inputs)
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