But outbreaks of deadly leptospirosis, gastroentiritis, dengue fever, cholera and jaundice, which have forced more than 7,700 people to seek hospital treatment, appeared to be slowing.

"We saw a period where the 'acute' leptospirosis cases rose sharply. Now the intensity and incidence of water-borne cases is slowly diminishing," Mumbai municipal commissioner Johnny Joseph told AFP.

The illnesses have been incubating since the incessant rains ended August 2. The rains were the worst in living memory, killing 1,071, turning streets into rivers and leaving piles of garbage and rotting animal carcasses.

Many people had waded through neck-deep water to reach safety or get supplies during the floods, and the disease death toll in Mumbai stood at 107 on Sunday and 72 in the surrounding regions, Joseph said.

"We expect the number of cases to reduce. Those discharged from hospitals will continue with the requisite antibiotics course to prevent recurrence of the ailment," R. Katti, director of health surveillance in Maharashtra state.

He added that 1,250 medical teams were continuing to work at relief camps, as well as hold door-to-door visits in the worst-hit areas of the western state, whose capital is Mumbai.

India's ruling national Congress party president Sonia Gandhi visited western regions of Maharashtra and Mumbai late Saturday to review relief work.

Environmentalists and urban planners blamed the widespread flooding in Mumbai on poor drainage caused by rampant unscrupulous development that blocked water exits.

Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to water contaminated with animal urine and symptoms include high fever and vomiting.

Related Links
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express