Mumbai: The floods brought about by heavy rain on August 29 have led to the spread of several diseases in the city, even as the swine flu death toll in the State inched closer to 500. Doctors say while the H1N1 virus is already in the air, cases of gastroenteritis, dengue and malaria are expected to see a rise in the days to come. Another ailment that Mumbaikars should be cautious about is leptospirosis, as many have walked through the flood waters.
Leptospira is a bacterium present in rat and cattle urine. It enters the body when people with unhealed cuts or wounds on their feet come in contact with water mixed with the urine.
Dr. Pradip Shah, who heads the department of medicine at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “The civic body had issued an advisory that asks people who have walked through flood water to take preventive medication. But the prophylaxis is effective only if taken within 72 hours. Those who have missed the window should be cautious when symptoms are visible, and should immediately see a doctor,” he said.
The most common symptoms are high fever, chills, weakness, muscle ache and vomiting. According to Dr. Shah, patients with typical symptoms of gastroenteritis like diarrhoea and vomiting have already started coming in. “Flood water contains bacteria, parasites and other organisms that can lead to infections. The most common ones are gastrointestinal tract infections which may arise due to contaminated water and food.”
Dr. Pratit Samdani, who practices at several south Mumbai hospitals, said dengue cases have gone up in the past week. “We are seeing patients with severe falls in platelet counts, as low as 5,000 to one lakh. The normal platelet count is between 1.50 lakh and 4.5 lakh. I have at least 12 dengue patients admitted under me in various hospitals. Sporadic cases of malaria have also been coming in.”
Flus causing havoc: docs
This year, the State has recorded 4,628 cases of swine flu and 488 deaths due to it. Dr. Samdani said, “Besides H1N1, other influenza viruses are in the air, causing fever, runny nose and sore throat. The best way to beat them and keep others in the family from getting infected is to get immediate treatment and completing the prescribed course of medicines.”
Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to death. The viruses mostly spread when flu patients cough, sneeze or talk.