Typhoid,gastric problems on the rise,doctors say contaminated water to blame

With the dry and hot weather spell gripping the region,cases of gastric problems,typhoid and other related illnesses are pouring in at city hospitals and civil dispensaries.

With the dry and hot weather spell gripping the region,cases of gastric problems,typhoid and other related illnesses are pouring in at city hospitals and civil dispensaries. Doctors say more than 10 to 15 such cases are being reported daily at OPDs and most patients are from peripheral areas where the quality of drinking water is under scanner.

Most cases are coming from villages around Panchkula,Zirakpur and slum areas of the tricity. Sporadic cases are also coming from the sectors. These are seasonal cases which get aggravated due to the intake of contaminated water, said a senior doctor.

An old man from a village near Zirakpur had died at GMCH-32 two days ago. He was reportedly suffering from suspected typhoid and complained of high fever for over two weeks.

Children are the most affected in this season. Low grade fever,fatigue,breathlessness and exhaustion are other ailments which are being reported in clinics due to the intense heat wave over the last several days. We recommend patients to increase water and fluid intake but watch out for the quality of water, added the doctor.

An average of 30,000 to 35,000 cases of diarrhoea and gastric diseases are reported in the city every year with a maximum in months of May and June nearly 10,000 patients. This year too,a similar trend is being observed.

Typhoid has seen an earlier onset this year due to the early arrival of summers. It helps if children are vaccinated against the ailment in advance. However,the vaccination has limited effect if administered during the fever. It is important to consult the doctor well in time, mentioned a paediatrician.

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