Chickenpox, eczema cases on rise in Mumbai, say doctors

Mumbai: Rising temperatures and high humidity in Mumbai have led to a rise in cases of chickenpox, heatstroke, eczema and dehydration, say city doctors. The temperature soared one degree Celsius more than the normal level at 34 degrees Celsius on Friday. The doctors said that high humidity in the air — a whopping 94 per cent — is a good sign and can give a relief to the city’s population.

The term moderate heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), refers to an increase in the normal daytime temperature by one degree Celsius at maximum 34 degrees and minimum 25 degrees. Northern and central Maharashtra have witnessed a moderate heatwave, but the IMD has claimed the city’s weather is normal and minor fluctuations in temperature are due to the change in wind from north west to west.

Speaking to The Asian Age, K.S. Hosalikar, deputy director, IMD (Mumbai) said, “The good thing about the heatwave around this time is that an increase in the humidity level will come as a relief and a little fewer people will fall victim to dehydration”.

Dr Om Shrivastava of Jaslok Hospital said, “Since the beginning of the month of May, patients with skin problems such as eczema; and chickenpox; heat strokes have been coming in. Dehydration due to spending too much time in the sun and not drinking adequate amount of water is also on the rise”.

He added, “Due to rise in humidity, the problem of eczema is getting worse and viral infections have added to the problem as it is. My suggestion to the people would be to avoid spending a lot of time in the sun and keep yourself well-hydrated all the time to keep oneself healthy”.

IMD officials said that the heatwave is expected to continue in the same way for at least two weeks to come.