Maharashtra reports 381 heatstroke cases and 25 suspected deaths in two months

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Maharashtra has reported 381 heatstroke cases and 25 suspected deaths in various districts since March 2022, according to the data provided by the state's health department.

Since March, the highest number of cases were reported from Nagpur (300), followed by Akola (33), Pune (20), Nashik (14), Aurangabad (12), Latur and Kolhapur (one each).

The suspected number of deaths (25) due to heatstroke in the state has been the highest in the past five years (19 were reported in 2016).

The data further reveals that of the 25 deaths, 11 were reported from Nagpur, followed by Jalgaon (four), Akola (four), Jalna (two), Aurangabad (five), Amravati , Hingoli, Osmanabad and Prabhani (one each).

Dr Pradip Awate, State Surveillance Officer, says, "This year, the number of deaths is the highest in the last five years. We are expecting more cases to be reported in May. We have sent out alerts. Mumbai has not reported any heatstroke cases or suspected deaths so far. Around 77 per cent of cases are from the Nagpur region."

A yellow and organ alert warning has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and state health department for various parts, including Vidarbha and Madhya Maharashtra.

Health experts suggest people should avoid going out in the afternoons and look out for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps and fatigue.

Dr Behram Pardiwala, Director (Internal Medicines), Wockhardt Hospital, says "Heatwaves affect both humans and animals. During a heat episode, the body heat increases owing to the environment and metabolism. The symptoms could lead to the development of heatstroke, heat exhaustion, severe dehydration and acute cerebrovascular accidents (stroke)."

She adds, "People should take precautions to prevent adverse effects of heatwaves by staying hydrated, wearing light cotton and loose clothes, and eating high protein food."