Maharashtra: Rising Air Pollution Spurs Surge In Acute Respiratory Infection Cases; Mumbai Leads With 719 Cases

A total of 1,742 cases of acute respiratory infections were reported across five sentinel surveillance sites, which monitor health issues related to air pollution in the state, in the past two months, as per data provided by the Health Department.

However, the 17 sentinel sites set up by the state government saw 1,924 ARI cases, the data said.

Health officials attributed the figures to the extremely poor air quality across Maharashtra.In the first eight months of the year, 10,108 ARI cases were reported across the 17 sentinel sites, necessitating 4,681 hospitalisations, the figures showed.

Mumbai reports maximum ARI patients

Mumbai reported the maximum number of ARI patients, with 719 cases between October and November, followed by Thane (396), Pune (282), Akola (210) and Kolhapur (135).

“The patients who were hospitalised were suffering from asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most of the patients complained of severe symptoms and required ICU and ventilator support. Given the surge in air pollution, the number of patients with bronchitis and asthma has significantly increased,” a health official said.

The official said the sentinel stations were playing a crucial role in monitoring and assessing the health impact of factors such as air pollution. This data-driven approach helps in implementing timely interventions and policies to address public health concerns effectively, he said.

'Clean Air, Healthy Future' Campaign

Meanwhile, the Health Department has announced initiatives like the ‘Clean Air, Healthy Future’ campaign to foster environmental responsibility and promote sustainable practices. Public awareness and collective efforts play a key role in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

“We have directed all nodal officers to take measures based on the number of ARI cases in their respective areas to prevent and control the health issues likely to arise due to poor air pollution. Meanwhile the strengthening of health facilities, surveillance and monitoring is carried out in each district,” another official said.

1,924 Cases reported across 17 sentinel sites in October and November

686 Hospitalisations during same period

1,742 ARI cases across 17 sentinel sites in state

Cities wise data
Mumbai: 719

Thane: 396

Pune: 282

Akola: 210

Kolhapur: 135