Pune : Gastroenterologists and general physicians are reporting a spike in waterborne infections this monsoon, with a significant number of patients presenting with gastrointestinal distress and febrile illnesses.
Over 2,700 cases of acute diarrheal diseases, 43 cases of viral hepatitis, and 102 typhoid-related cases were recorded during the past three months (June, July, and August), according to PMC data. The number of patients seeking treatment for waterborne diseases has increased by about 5–10% this year. Dr Jayant Khandare, paediatrician and neonatologist at Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital, said, “We have seen a rise in waterborne infections over the last month, including a 20% increase in typhoid cases alone.
We see a spike in cases due to multiple factors, primarily contamination of drinking water with drainage water. There is no major outbreak this year; only sporadic cases are being reported.
Dr Vaishali Jadhav, assistant health officer, PMC, said, “The surge in numbers during the monsoon season is not unusual. Memon, senior consultant and head of the department of medicine at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said, “We are currently seeing a noticeable number of patients presenting with infections and febrile illnesses. This is why we advise citizens to boil their water properly before drinking. Dr Danish H. Paediatricians are also seeing an impact on younger patients. Contaminated food or water can spread diarrheal illnesses, typhoid, and Hepatitis A or E. Persistent fever, vomiting, or loose stools should not be dismissed as a routine stomach infection. ”