1. Japanese Encephalitis Deaths Suspected in Parts of Vidarbha
The Maharashtra government is inquiring into a sporadic outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in parts of Vidarbha, where at least seven people are suspected to have died from the viral infection. Health officials claim the samples will be retested by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) to confirm whether JE was responsible for these deaths.
Official records show there are 15 confirmed cases of JE in Chandrapur, Gadchiroli and Wardha. Information collected from the districts, however, shows a higher record — local district officials claim there are 14 JE cases in Gadchiroli, three in Wardha and 26 positive cases in Chandrapur.
(Source: Indian Express)
2. 1,917 H1N1 Cases in State in Six Months, 192 Deaths
Maharashtra has recorded a significant 1,917 H1N1 cases of which 192 people have died due to the infectious disease in last six months. In at least 68 per cent cases, the treatment was initiated within three to five days after the first symptoms appeared in patients.
“The state government has issued an advisory to all medical practitioners, hospitals and district officials to start H1N1 treatment without waiting for laboratory results or confirmed diagnosis. The treatment must begin as soon as doctors identify H1N1 symptoms,” said state health secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas.
(Source: Indian Express)
3. Moderate Showers, Rain Likely to Pick up Pace Today
After heavy rainfall on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, the city witnessed moderate showers on Thursday.
The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Colaba observatory recorded 11.6 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Thursday. On Wednesday, it had recorded 36.8 mm of rainfall. In comparison, IMD’s Santacruz observatory recorded 25.4 mm of rainfall during the same time period on Thursday while witnessing 29.2 mm of rainfall a day before.
After a brief break, rainfall is likely to pick up pace from Friday and continue till July 28 in Mumbai and surrounding areas. “For the next four to five days, moderate to heavy rainfall has been forecast,” said Bishwambar Singh, Director, regional meteorological centre, IMD, Mumbai.
(Source: Indian Express)
4. MMRDA Still Has No Land for Metro Car Sheds
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is yet to acquire a single plot of land for Metro car sheds, said sources, even as many city roads have been barricaded for the construction of five Metro corridors — two are slated to be opened to the public in mid-2020.
MMRDA sources said the non-availability of car sheds is likely to delay Metro operations. “If car sheds are not available, mechanical work cannot be carried out,” said senior MMRDA official.
(Source: Indian Express)
5. 5 Men on Way to Rob Jewellery Store Held
The Mumbai Police Thursday claimed they had prevented a dacoity that a group of six were planning to execute. The police said that five of the six accused, armed with weapons and sharp objects, were on their way to rob a jewellery store in south Mumbai.
According to police officers, the patrolling unit, attached with the Agripada police, noticed a Wagon R with its boot open, around the store in the wee hours of July 18. “We saw four men roaming suspiciously around a shop. They had come in two cars, and on seeing us, fled from the spot in their second car. We sensed something was amiss, after which we seized the vehicle,” an officer said.
(Source: Indian Express)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)