At the time of hospitalisation, Kumar was suffering from high fever and respiratory distress. “His fever is under control now. Platelet counts and white blood cells have gradually increased. BMC has found dengue mosquito at his bungalow, so we are suspecting a case of dual infection,” said Dr Jalil Parkar, the pulmonary physician at the hospital who is treating Kumar.

Dr Parkar said that Kumar had begun consuming soft diet and he has not had any adverse cardiac reactions. Doctors said that Kumar would continue to be hospitalised for another four days.

BMC’s insecticide department surveyed the area as well as actor’s house for the breeding sites of the mosquito - Aedes Aegyptus - responsible for dengue. “Following the inspection, we have informed the hospital to also test him for dengue. We found Ades Aegyptus mosquito breeding at his home. We have collected blood samples of his staff and are waiting for the reports of the actor’s dengue tests,” said Deepak Adsul, insecticide officer, BMC.

Man dies of malaria
Even as intermittent rains lash the city, monsoon diseases have already made their presence felt. On late Sunday night, Bharat Rangrao Mane, a 35-year-old Chembur-resident succumbed to malaria at Rajawadi Hospital.

On Monday, 35 suspected malaria patients were admitted to city’s private and public hospitals. About 80 to 90 other patients were admitted for fever. However, there were no dengue and leptospirosis cases reported.

“These are pre-monsoon showers. Malaria and fever are endemic diseases and are seen round the year,” said Dr Daksha Shah, head of epidemiology cell, BMC.

At least five people have died of malaria this month and more than 2,000 have undergone treatment. At least 20 people have been diagnosed with dengue and about 10 for leptospirosis in June. About 950 patients have been treated for gastroenteritis till date.