Fewer heatstroke cases in Gujarat this April

AHMEDABAD: Thanks to a relatively cooler start to summer this year, the number of cases of heatstroke reported across Gujarat has reduced to one-third, according to data compiled by 108 emergency services. According to the data, against 29 cases of heatstroke reported from April 1-20 last year, some 10 cases were reported this time around during the same period across the state. There was no significant change in the number of heatstroke incidents in March.
Maximum temperatures have not risen above 40 degree celsius across Gujarat on most days in March and April this year as compared to last year, due to western disturbance triggering unseasonal rainfall in parts of the state, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With heat not hitting as hard, the overall cases have remained low.

However, heatstroke cases have seen a gradual rise in April in Ahmedabad. This month, 108 emergency service attended to four cases in April against one last month. Along with heatstroke, cases of high fever, headache and abdominal pain have shown an increase this time around.
Medical practitioners attribute this to extreme heat and a rapid change in temperatures. Explaining the situation, Dr Mehul Shelat, a family physician based in Ahmedabad, said, "Cases of heat-related illnesses haven't been reported in big numbers this year. The patients we have attended to come with symptoms of dizziness and fatigue, triggered mainly due to prolonged exposure to heat."
Interestingly, even 108 emergency service data indicates that at least 60% of the cases are reported among people under 40 years of age and are largely seen in working professionals and young adults who are typically out of the city.
Explaining the case trend, Dr Pragnesh M Vachharajani, honorary secretary, Federation of Family Physicians' Association of India, and a practising physician in Ahmedabad, said, "During peak summer days of previous years, we used to find some 15-20 cases in a single day. However, due to the mean temperatures remaining under control this time around, the overall cases are fewer. We get an average of 15-20 cases in a week. Some of the patients are also senior citizens complaining of heat-triggered exhaustion along with body ache, dizziness and fatigue."