Double whammy for citizens as water-borne diseases on the rise

Gurugram: The extreme temperature prevailing in Gurugram has begun to affect the citizens. According to the district hospital authorities, there has been an increase in the number of patients affected by water-borne diseases. More than 150 patients suffering from these diseases visit the public hospital on a daily basis.

According to officials from the city health department, more cases are being reported from the older parts of the city.

While minor and aged people seem to form a bulk of patients, worryingly a substantial number of infants are being admitted due to microbial diseases. The large number of admission of patients has now resulted in a shortage of beds in the two public hospitals of the city.

Taking cognizance of the rise in the number of water-borne diseases, a major programme on the preventive measures was launched in the first week of July to make the citizens aware of the preventive measures.

In order to cover a wider range of citizens, the public health officials also roped in the services of anganwadi workers.

Medical experts highlight that over 30 per cent cases are due to the consumption of contaminated food and water. "There are chances that if a patient is showing the symptoms of vomiting, mild fever, body pain and blood in stools, they may be affected by microbial infections. In severe cases, a patient can also die due to dehydration and low blood pressure," said Dr PK Sharma, Principal Medical Officer, Gurugram Civil Hospital

In addition to water borne-diseases, there are also several patients being admitted due to dehydration and heat-related diseases. To prevent an emergency-like condition, the district administration has also opened a control room to help the citizens deal with the heat wave conditions.