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After June, gastroenteritis also known as stomach infection continued to remain the most common cause of monsoon-related illnesses in Mumbai, according to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Since last month, the city has already reported more than 2,600 cases of gastroenteritis. To avoid monsoon-related illnesses, BMC also issued a warning on Tuesday.
In the first 16 days of July this year, the city has already surpassed the total number of gastroenteritis cases reported last year in the same month. In July 2022, a total of 679 cases of gastroenteritis were reported compared to 932 cases as of July 16 this year. The actual number would be much higher as private practitioners often do not report such cases to the civil body. Last month, the city reported 1,744 cases of gastroenteritis.
Across Mumbai, many residents complain of gastroenteritis. Recently, director Hansal Mehta took to social media where he complained of a stomach infection due to the alleged consumption of contaminated drinking water. However, later, Dr Nilesh Pavli, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) who spoke to The Indian Express, refuted the claim of polluted water.
“On a daily basis, we collect water samples to test, but we haven’t found any contamination,” he said.
This is not an isolated case. Stomach infection can occur due to the consumption of contaminated food or water in the monsoons – which provide the right environment for the growth of bacteria. Stomach cramps, frequent watery stools, vomiting and nausea are the telltale signs of a stomach infection.
Patients with similar symptoms are flocking to hospitals for treatment. “Moist conditions provide the right environment for bacteria to grow. Therefore, roadside foods should be avoided. Improper handling or improper cooking of food increases digestive problems,” said Dr. Avinash Soby, gastroenterologist at Hinduja Hospital and former dean of KEM Hospital.
Dr. Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road who attends 1-2 stomach ache per day is advised to drink boiled water, avoid eating raw foods like salads, cook vegetables properly and maintain good personal hygiene by washing from time to time. “In general, patients recover within a week with appropriate rest, with oral rehydration salts and antibiotics (if needed). However, in severe cases, some may require admission. Therefore, it is always advisable to avoid self-medication,” said Dr. Mule.
As it continued to rain, leptospirosis cases also rose to 104 from July 1-16. Last month, the city saw 97 cases. However, BMC attributed this rise in cases to improved reporting as the number of reporting units increased from 22 to 880. These units include BMC dispensaries, BMC hospitals, HBT clinics, additional private laboratories, and private hospitals.
To prevent leptospirosis, the BMC has advised people to avoid wading in rain or puddles, and to refrain from walking barefoot during heavy rain. In the event of exposure to stagnant rainwater, residents should opt for preventive treatment in accordance with medical advice.
To be safe against mosquito-borne diseases, the civil body advised to use mosquito nets while sleeping, and to keep the surrounding environment clean to avoid mosquito breeding in stagnant water.
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