Bengaluru: With heavy rains lashing the city on Thursday night and Friday morning, and the people complaining about flooded roads, health experts feel that this rain can also cause a spike in dengue and other water-borne diseases.
“There will be more cases of dengue and typhoid. We have also seen malaria cases in the recent past. Such heavy rains also trigger gastroenteritis cases because of water contamination,” said Dr Harish K.V., Apollo Clinic. He has also been treating dengue cases with respiratory ailments and malaria.
Dr Sudha Menon, Director, Internal medicines, Fortis Hospital, said, “Apart from dengue and chikungunya, the people should also be extra cautious about leptospirosis, which spreads through contaminated water from injuries in one’s feet. People should wash and clean their feet after they come home." He advises people to stay away from raw, uncooked food and cut fruits from outside.
“The number of cases is usually high among children, diabetics and people suffering from hypertension and obesity. In the last one week, we have seen at least one patient per day. The number of cases is likely to multiply when the rains start. It is extremely important that people are aware and know how to prevent dengue cases," said Dr Pavan Mangalore, Consultant Emergency Medicine, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur.
Dr B.V. Murali Mohan, Consultant Pulmonologist and Head, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology, Narayana Health City, listed most critical cases coming to his department. “There are many cases of gastroenteritis(2-3 daily), typhoid, paratyphoid and Hepatitis A and E. The two main sources for these diseases are the contamination of drinking water supply lines with sewage water,” he said.
Experts suggested extra caution in the food intake and hand and feet hygiene. “Make sure your surrounding is clean. Empty stagnant water collecting in rooftop tanks. Also, cover your drain systems well. Boil water and then consume," Dr Harish said.
