Infections spike along with rising mercury levels

Mumbai: Temperatures in the state, including Mumbai, have soared in the last few days, leading to a rise in the number of cases of fever, vomiting, and various infections, said doctors. Patients are queueing-up at the city’s private, state and civic-run clinics.

ENT specialist Dr Ashesh Bhumkar said, “Due to the scorching heat, people are suffering from dehydration and tend to consume colas and cold beverage which has an adverse effect on their body.”  He added, “Since past few days, patients with complaints like fever, throat infection and diarrhoea have increased.”

The doctor also stated, “A abrupt change in temperature is the reason why I get 20-30- odd patients everyday with fever, ear, nose and throat infection-related complaints.”

According to an official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several parts of the state, including Mumbai, have been experiencing scorching heat due to the dry and hot northerly winds blowing in from Madhya Pradesh. The IMD has predicted that the next few days may see the creation of a heat-wave like situation in north Maharashtra.