Malaria, diarrhoea cases on the rise in Ggn

The monsoon season has proven to be anything but pleasant for residents of Gurugram, who are frequenting hospitals in large numbers seeking treatment for vector-borne as well as microbial diseases.

This year, there have been 11 confirmed cases of malaria, while a large number of suspected cases of dengue have also been reported.

Meanwhile, more than 300 mosquito larvae have already been found in an inspection by the District Health Department, increasing the risk of spreading of malaria

Increasing malaria cases have become a serious concern, even as the District Health Department is collaborating with the various citizen groups to organising initiatives for spreading awareness on vector-borne diseases.

However, it is water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid that seem to have the most adverse impact in Gurugram.

On Thursday, as many as 34 patients suffering from diarrhoea – all residents of Om Nagar area in Old Gurugram – were admitted to Government Hospital. 17 of the 34 patients were found to be in critical condition.

Worryingly, most of these patients affected are minors, with the youngest being only four-months-old. Consumption of unhygienic water is stated to be the prime reason for them contracting the water-borne microbial disease.

Experts highlight that over 30 per cent of diarrhoea cases are caused by consumption of contaminated food and water.

A major source of concern for Gurugram residents is that 40 out of the 75 drinking water samples collected in June by the District Health Department failed the quality test. The remaining samples, meanwhile, have been marked as suspect.

The samples were collected from densely populated areas of Sukhrali, Sikanderpur, Khandsa, Farukhnagar Civil Lines and Dundahera, and were collected from residences, boosting stations and nearby Metro stations.