Three-fold hike in gastro cases this year

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal corporation (NMC) health department data has shown three-fold rise in gastroenteritis in this rainy season. Diarrhoea cases too slightly increased this time.
NMC had recorded 23 cases of water-borne disease gastro last year. This figure jumped to 73 this year between April and July. Water-borne diseases are recorded each year from April to March.
A total 12 cases of diarrhoea, up from 9 last year, were reported in previous four months. Three cases of cholera were reported each in 2021 and this year.
Officials said these figures are only of patients who required hospital admission. The actual spread of water borne diseases could be much higher. In July, many cases of stomach infection were reported, with every other home having more than one patient with complaints of loose motions.
Dr Sameer Patil, consultant gastroenterologist at Kingsway Hospital, said each doctor or general practitioner must have seen 60-70 patients of water-borne diseases in one month. “The cases increased as people restarted eating out. Last year, people were cautious of eating or drinking outside or on roadside stalls because of the Covid wave. As Covid is less and the afflicted patients are also not severe, people don’t mind eating anywhere. Gastro is mainly caused by contaminated water or flies,” he said.
Dr Patil added that the figures on record are those which are actually getting reported. “Many patients don’t get admitted. They seek treatment from local general practitioners or homeopaths. Gastro is a self limiting disease. Mild gastro is not reported as patient recovers after two days of loose motions,” he said.
Dr Patil said hand washing is the most important part in preventing the diseases. “Whether you are at home or out, one should always wash hands before eating. Only hot food must be taken if outside. If water source is not proper then carry your own water.”