It's raining ailments as wet spell holds sway in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: With city experiencing a wet spell, many residents are queuing up at hospitals due to various water borne diseases. “My son Chaitanya was admitted to the hospital as the doctors had said it was Hepatitis A. He was very weak and dehydrated and we had to admit him,” said his father.

Generally during monsoons the city reports a rise in cases of viral flu, vector-borne diseases and respiratory and diarrhoeal infections, but this year there has been a rise in cases of typhoid, hepatitis A and E, leptospirosis and cholera.

Dr Manjunath, Consultant Physician, Manipal Hospitals said that they have come across some 25-30% of OPD and Inpatient cases coming to the hospital are of typhoid, malaria, gastroenteritis, amebiasis, colitis, jaundice, hepatitis A and E. “There are cases of severe dehydration, which need to be attended in a hospital. Many such cases can also lead to renal failure and they require admission. Also, there are cases of severe dehydration, which need hospitalization,” Dr  Manjunath added.

The doctor said that he is witnessing some 40-60 viral fever cases, 2-3 malaria cases and some 10 typhoid cases weekly.

Dr B.V. Murali Mohan, Consultant Pulmonologist and Head of the departments of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology at Narayana Health City said, "There are many cases of gastroenteritis (2-3 daily), typhoid, para typhoid and hepatitis A and E that come to us,". He said the two main sources of these diseases were sewage contamination and impure water supply. "Water borne diseases can also lead to viral hepatitis and gastroenteritis, like digestive disorder and painful cramps, which can further lead to some serious problems in one’s body. Viral hepatitis is a serious infection that results in yellow urine and yellow eyes, accompanied with high fever. Any symptoms of these diseases are to be treated after a specialist’s consultation," said Dr K.V. Harish of Apollo Clinic.

“People should take extra precaution when it comes to food and fruit intake. Because of high temperatures and frequent power cuts, boiled rice and dairy products should be consumed within a few hours. People should ensure that the cold chain is maintained, most importantly in milk products," said Dr SM Prasad of Ambedkar Medical College .

Ways to prevent these illnesses
Use good environmental management. Flush or discard any stool in the toilet and clean the surrounding area using hot water and detergent.  A chlorine-based disinfectant is recommended. Practice good personal hygiene. Frequent and careful hand washing is important among all age groups. Hand washing of children should be supervised. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing hands together vigorously and scrubbing all surfaces. Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing a diaper or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet, and before and after tending to someone who is ill with diarrhea.

Wash hands after handling animals, contact with animal quarters, cleaning up animal feces, or gardening. Wash hands before and after preparing food or  eating.