Hyderabad in the grip of gastric ailments

Rise in number of patients with symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting and fever

It is not just cases of cholera and swine flu that are making rounds in Hyderabad this monsoon season. Incessant rains have resulted in a spurt in cases of gastro. Patients with symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and severe stomach pain are visiting the outpatient wings of government as well as private hospitals.

Outpatient facilities at Gandhi Hospital (GH), Osmania General Hospital (OGH) and Fever Hospital have reported a jump in the number of patients with symptoms. At Fever Hospital, the number of outpatients has touched the 1,000 mark, while at OGH and GH, the numbers are hovering between 1,300 and 1,400 daily.

While the district health authorities maintained that so far 78 cases of confirmed gastro had been reported, private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, too, are reporting a marked increase in cases. General physicians and health officials point out that irrespective of the numbers, the bottomline is that the public should exercise caution during monsoon.

“Bonalu and Ramzan festivals have fallen in the same month, and the public are eating out frequently. But people should also be wary of the quality of food and water being served at eateries. They should avoid stale food and prefer hot food items,” says District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr. Narendrudu.

Doctors have also advised people against getting exposed to rain. “Parents should take their children to the doctor if fever persists for more than a day. Diarrhoea and vomiting among gastro victims are usually due to rotavirus,” advises senior general physician Dr. B. Balaji.

There is also a spurt in cases of upper respiratory tract infections like common cold, flu and pneumonia. Chest physicians say the elderly, children below five years and pregnant women form the high risk group. “Under the guidance of an expert, such high risk groups can opt for flu vaccines. Cough etiquette, personal hygiene like frequent hand wash and avoiding rains are mandatory,” says Dr. K. Subhakar, Senior Chest Physician, Government Chest Hospital, Erragadda.