Residents of Maharashtra are reeling under the intense heat, with the Public Health Department already reporting 13 new heat stroke cases. Compared to last year, heatstroke incidents have increased by 15% to 20%, and while no deaths have yet been reported, concerns have been raised for early summer. Due to the increasing incidence of heat stroke cases across Maharashtra, health officials have issued urgent warnings.
Heatstroke patients have started being reported in most of the districts of the state. Beed has the highest number of four, followed by Raigad (two). Ahmednagar, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Satara and Dhule have reported one case each so far. A health official said his department has directed medical officers to keep a close watch on heat stroke cases and sensitise people on summer dos and don'ts.
“A 21-year-old man from Akola has suspected heat stroke and has symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea. The patient worked in the brick kiln industry, where temperatures are usually high. He was hospitalised for a few hours, admitted during the day and discharged in the evening,” he said.
“Along with heatstroke, other heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations have started from the first week of March. Cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration, gastroenteritis and heat cramps are also being reported," the official said.
Due to the rising temperature, the rising incidence of heat stroke in Maharashtra has increased the concern. Day temperatures have crossed 40 degrees Celsius in many places in Maharashtra for the past two weeks.
“The 15-20% increase in heatstroke incidents compared to last year is alarming. There is a need to raise an awareness about heat-related illnesses and encourage people to stay hydrated, seek shade and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially during peak hours,” said a senior doctor at state-run JJ Hospital.
Take a look at Thursday's temperatures
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