Mumbai reeling under monsoon illness again; BMC records 429 Gastro cases

Mumbai has witnessed an increase in gastroenteritis cases as the city has recorded 429 cases since the beginning of this month, that is between August 1-13.

By Twinkle MehtaHealth

Mumbai

Mumbai has witnessed an increase in gastroenteritis cases as the city has recorded 429 cases since the beginning of this month, that is between August 1-13.

As per reports revealed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s health department, 226 cases reported in the past week (August 7-13). However, in the preceding week (August 1-6), the city reported a total of 203 cases of gastroenteritis.

Besides, between June-July alone, there were 2,600 cases reported, making it the most common illness during this monsoon season. This trend is worsening people's health conditions and causing concern among the local population.

In an exclusive conversation with Mumbai Live, senior doctor by DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital in Pune spoke about spike in such cases not only in the city but across Maharashtra. Experts stated that drinking contaminated water, eating outside street food & uncooked food along with not practicing good hygiene.

Experts further claimed that an increasing number of people in Mumbai have been affected by gastroenteritis, which is a type of infection that affects the digestive system. Bacteria, Viruses and Parasites can all cause gastroenteritis.

Here is all you need to know:

1. What are symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a common condition caused by irritation & inflammation of stomach & intestines. This results in vomiting & diarrhoea.

2) What self-care measures can someone take if they have contracted gastroenteritis?

- Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before preparing or eating Food.

- Clean & disinfect the toilet after each bout of vomiting or diarrhoea.

- Don’t share towels, washcloths or utensils

3) What are the dos & don’ts to be followed?

DOs –

- Wash your hands often

- Keep the Kitchen & bathroom clean.

- Make sure that food is stored properly & Prepared safely.

Don'ts -

- Avoid Swimming if you have diarrhoea

- Avoid Preparing Food for Others while you are sick.

Moreover, in the span of a week, Mumbai recorded 236 cases of malaria, adding to a total of 462 cases reported in the city between August 1 and 13. This figure closely aligns with the weekly trend, as there were 226 malaria cases reported between August 1 and 6.

During the same period, there were 151 cases of leptospirosis, 317 cases of dengue, 15 cases of hepatitis, 11 cases of chikungunya, and 90 cases of H1N1.

However, mortality data is expected to be released next month. Among the three wards susceptible to vector-borne diseases (G-south, F-south), G-North ward has been effectively managing malaria. While the ward reported slightly over 165 cases last August, it has recorded nearly 40 cases so far this year.