City reels under heat, faces surge in ailment cases

Mumbai: With soaring temperatures, cases of dehydration, vomiting, gastroenteritis and heat stroke are also on the rise. Civic and state-run hospitals have recorded a 15 to 20 per cent spike in the number of persons being treated on an outpatient department (OPD) basis.

Dr Madhukar Gaikwad, medical superintendent of St George Hospital, said that there was a marked increase in the number of patients suffering from viral fever, headache, gastroenteritis and sore throat.

Dr Gaikwad said, “For the past one week, the number of patients visiting the OPD has risen. Of the 450 people who visit the OPD, 100 to 150 complain of fever, headache and other ailments.”

“There are patients whose fever has lasted more than three days, necessitating hospitalisation. The number of patients complaining of diarrhoea, and headache has gone up by 20 to 30 per cent. Fever cases have increased by 15 to 20 per cent,” Dr Gaikwad said.

According to doctors, high temperatures have caused dehydration in people which in turn leads to low immunity, making them vulnerable to viral fever and other illnesses. Doctors have advised citizens to keep themselves hydrated by drinking plenty of water. “People who are suffering from heart ailments, blood pressure and diabetes should keep checking their health regularly. People should drink plenty of water and keep their body hydrated,” said Dr Sanjay Surase, superintendent of J.J. Hospital.

Dr Om Srivastava, infectious diseases expert, said, “People must see a doctor immediately, as the symptoms are quite similar to those of dengue, malaria. Take medication as prescribed by the doctor and do not fall back on home remedies.”