Maharashtra logs over 2,000 cases of 'heatstroke' in 3 months

PUNE: The state recorded a total of 2,189 suspected cases of heatstroke this year so far, with Raigad accounting for the maximum caseload.
As many as 264 suspected heatstroke cases were recorded in Maharashtra in March, which jumped to 985 in April and then dropped marginally to 940 in May, state health department data showed on Friday.
The data revealed that Raigad district recorded most (410) suspected heatstroke cases, with a major chunk being reported during the Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony in Khargar in April. Wardha district accounted for the second highest cases (254) in the state, followed by Nagpur (165).
"A total of 2,189 suspected heatstroke cases have been reported in the state in the past three months. The heat-related surveillance will continue till June-end," a state health department official said.
The official said the on an average, 24 suspected heatstroke cases were recorded in the state every day in the past three months.
Dr Nitin Ambadekar, director health services, Maharashtra, said, "Most cases were reported from the rural areas in the state, especially those in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. Apart from the top three districts, Amravati, Chandrapur and Nandurbar accounted for maximum number of cases in the state. May saw the highest number of suspected heatstroke cases."
At least 110 suspected heatstroke cases were recorded in the state on May 10, when the average temperature had surged past 43°C. The health officials said the cases recorded on May 10 were the second highest this summer, with the highest (more than 450) being recorded during the Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony in Khargar on April 16.