Gastroenteritis cases in Mumbai on the rise

Both the BMC and doctors have advised citizens to avoid street foods during monsoon

Busy with preparations for the third outbreak of Covid-19, the BMC has been alerted about a rise in the cases of gastroenteritis, as compared to last year, even though the city was mostly under restrictions due to the second wave.

According to the data shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the city has already seen 1,144 cases from January till June 13, that's nearly 45 per cent of the figure recorded in 2020.

"In 2020, we saw 2,549 cases. It is a cause of concern that the city is seeing a spike in gastroenteritis cases despite the lockdown," said a civic health official.
Gastroenteritis is a form of stomach flu which typically spreads by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water. Symptoms of gastroenteritis are diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

The city had recorded 2,549 cases of gastroenteritis last year

As the city reopens slowly amid monsoon, the BMC and doctors have cautioned Mumbaikars to avoid street foods. "Last year, we hardly saw any monsoon diseases, except malaria. This year, the numbers are definitely more," said Dr Mangala Gomare, executive health officer, the BMC. Dr Hemant Thacker, a general physician, said, "We are seeing an increase in the gastroenteritis cases, and it may be attributed to people ordering food from outside. We can see a further rise in gastro cases in the coming days."

Dr Thacker said people with low immunity should be extra careful on what they eat and drink in this season. "People with diabetes, hypertension should keep their blood sugar levels and blood pressure in control and try to eat home-cooked hygienic food," he added.

The BMC data also stated that leptospirosis cases were also on the rise this year. In the past six months, the city has seen 48 cases, it added.

BMC has advised Mumbaikars to consult with their doctor in case they had to wade through the flooding water in the monsoon, and start on prophylactic treatment if advised.

"We have asked the private practitioners to start prophylactic treatment for leptospirosis if a patient comes with a fever and history of wading through flooded water. This will ensure the person doesn't land up with complications later," said Dr Gomare.

1,144
No. of gastroenteritis cases recorded from Jan-June 13