Rising mercury causes 7 deaths in city

Mumbai: So far this summer, the state has recorded a total 256 cases of heat-related illness and seven deaths. The Nagpur division has recorded the highest number of cases at 107, followed by Akola, Latur, Nashik and Aurangabad.

With rising mercury levels, heat strokes have been reported all over Maharashtra which is why the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has started a special outpatient department (OPD). The OPD is seeing many cases of heat-related ailments.

With Maharashtra witnessing its hottest ever summer this year, hospitals have been flooded with gastroenteritis cases.

Dr Pradeep Awate, head of the infectious diseases department and state surveillance officer, said, “This year, the state has reported seven deaths, with the regions most affected by heat strokes being Nagpur and Aurangabad,” he said.

“We have issued an advisory to all healthcare providers in the state as the number of people admitted for heat-related ailments is on the rise. The aim is to keep the state’s healthcare system informed and well-prepared,” he added.

Experts have predicted the likelihood of a very severe heat wave in parts of Vidarbha in eastern Maharashtra.

Dr T.P. Lahane, director of DMER, said, “Due to heat, people are having ice creams or cold drinks. With soaring temperatures, the consumption of cold products is increasing. Many a time, the electricity snaps during summer. When the refrigerator is out of commission for long periods of time, bacterial toxins are produced.”

“When people consume such things, there are higher chances of bacterial toxins and people start getting vomiting and diarrhoea. Every fifth patient in the OPD has gastroenteritis-related problems,” he said.