Leptospirosis Risk Surges as Extended Monsoon Hits Mumbai Region

Leptospirosis Risk Surges as Extended Monsoon Hits Mumbai Region

Mumbai, Dec 11: A coordinated medical response at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road helped save the life of Mrs. Seema Dhumal (name changed), 51, from Khar who arrived in a near-exsanguinated state due to severe leptospirosis. Her sudden decline and multi-organ failure placed her among the most critical cases seen this year. Her recovery now highlights the importance of early awareness and timely treatment during the monsoon season.

Mrs. Dhumal reached Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road with acute respiratory distress, heavy bleeding, and severe lung involvement. She showed blood loss from the mouth, lungs, and endotracheal tube. The team found she had DIC, a dangerous clotting disorder, and acute kidney failure that required urgent dialysis. Patients with this mix of issues face high risk and need fast, structured action.

Under the leadership of Dr. Aklesh Tandekar, Head and Consultant of Critical Care, experts from Critical Care, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Infectious diseases, and Hematology team worked in full coordination at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. The team used advanced ventilation strategies, dialysis support, blood products, and strict round-the-clock monitoring.

As care progressed, her bleeding stopped. Her lungs cleared. Her clotting system stabilised. Her kidneys responded to dialysis support. In time, she was weaned off the ventilator, marking a major turning point in her recovery.

Dr. Tandekar noted that this case shows the strength of fast diagnosis, tight teamwork, and evidence-based intensive care.

Today, Mrs. Dhumal is stable and improving at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. The hospital urges the public to stay alert for early symptoms of leptospirosis, avoid stagnant water, wear protective footwear, and seek medical help without delay.

Areas with high population density like Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and the Vasai–Virar region face high risk of leptospirosis during the monsoon. This year, the monsoon extended two extra months, which raised exposure to contaminated water. By October 2024, these zones reported 18 deaths.Data from the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2024–25 shows a sharp rise in leptospirosis deaths statewide. Maharashtra recorded 26 deaths in 2024, up from eight in 2023. That is a 225% increase, even though cases dropped from 1,484 in 2023 to 953 in 2024.

Leptospirosis spreads when people come in contact with water mixed with urine from infected animals, mainly rats. Rat urine carries the bacteria and can enter the body through small cuts in the skin. Flooded roads, waterlogging, and poor waste control raise this risk.