Water-borne ailments like typhoid on a rise in Mumbai due to rising temperature

With the rising mercury in the city, the queue of patients suffering from water-borne ailments such as typhoid, hepatitis E and A is also getting longer at the city hospitals. According to doctors, the diseases have mostly affected the working population in the last few weeks.

Infectious disease expert at Lilavati hospital, Dr Vasant Nagwekar, said, "I am seeing a lot of blood culture-proven typhoid cases and a couple of hepatitis E and A cases. Typhoid cases are coming with high-grade fever lasting for 4-5 days, with a history of abdominal pain, body ache, headache and vomiting."

Doctors said most of these victims were in the age group of 18-35 years. "Teenagers and working class are getting more affected. This set of people generally have a history of eating and drinking out, and are therefore more exposed to contaminated water," said Dr Pratit Samdhani, physician at Jaslok hospital.

Agreeing with Samdhani, intensivist at PD Hinduja hospital, Dr Khusrav Bhajan, said increasing incidence of hepatitis A and E was of concern, as it can be dangerous once the jaundice sets in. "Avoiding eating or drinking out and early diagnosis are a must. Only young and middle-aged people are being affected," said Bhajan.

In addition, doctors blamed the roadside coolers for the sudden rise in gastroenteritis cases this summer. "While checking the history of patients, it was found that most of them drank roadside coolers such as sherbet, fruit juices and golas. Having pani puris at road side stalls is also very common. I advise my patients to drink either boiled or mineral water," said Dr Anil Ballani, consultant physician at the Lilavati hospital.

Dr Mini Khetrapal, epidemiology department in-charge in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), confirmed that there was a rise in typhoid, hepatitis E and A cases. She said the corporation has taken steps to spread awareness in this regard. "We have started sending messages and emphasising on prevention. Continuous effort is being taken concerning roadside eateries," said Khetrapal.

Few Dos and don'ts

Self and kitchen hygiene helps reduce most stomach infection cases.

Look at what you are eating. Avoid eating salads and fruit plates outside, whether it is a street vendor or a five-star hotel. Salads and fruit plates are notorious for causing stomach infection.

Avoid drinking water outside. Carry your own boiled water bottle. Avoid water-based food products, such as chutnies, sauces and fruit juices.

Avoid roadside coolers such as sherbet, milkshakes and golas.