BMC tracks patients as COVID-19 stirs again amid rising concerns

Representation pic

COVID-19 is currently spreading sporadically. The BMC on Wednesday informed that alongside COVID-19, surveillance for ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) is ongoing. Suspected patients are being tested for COVID-19. Those found positive are being treated as per protocol. Genome sequencing which helps in identifying viral variants, tracing transmission pathways, and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is being conducted for positive samples.

COVID-appropriate behaviour is being emphasised by the BMC health officials. The BMC has stated that the public health laboratories are equipped with necessary facilities. The health department is closely monitoring the situation across the city. A few cases showed co-infection with H3N2 and other respiratory viruses as per genomic sequencing. Mortality reports are also being reviewed by the death audit committee.

The number of active COVID cases is low and not alarming, but as a precaution, genome sequencing continues. Maharashtra's positive samples are being sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and BJ Medical College, Pune for genome sequencing.

Month-wise COVID numbers in Mumbai
January 1
February 1
March 0
April 4
May 120

46
No of patients have recovered as of today

Positive cases as of May 21

26
Mumbai 25, Pune 1