Amid raging summer, stomach flu cases in Mumbai surge 44% over the month

March saw a more modest increase of about 4.08 per cent, bringing the count to 637 cases. However, the most notable surge occurred in April, with a remarkable 43.81 per cent rise from 637 to 916 cases.

Numerous cases slip through the cracks, with a substantial portion of patients seeking treatment at private hospitals remaining unrecorded, given that gastroenteritis isn’t a reportable disease.

Dr Anmol Virani, consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at SL Raheja Hospital, stated, “We have observed about a 20-30% increase in cases of gastroenteritis in summer compared to other times.” (File Photo)

Gastroenteritis, caused by viral or bacterial infections, inflames the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and occasionally fever.

Although it can spread via contaminated food or water, it is not solely waterborne, disseminating through person-to-person contact or contaminated surfaces as well. During summer, it ranks among the most prevalent illnesses.

When The Indian Express interviewed doctors from private hospitals, they noted a sudden increase in cases. The most vulnerable group appears to be children, who frequently consume food or beverages from roadside eateries while playing outdoors during the summer.

Dr Anmol Virani, consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at SL Raheja Hospital, stated, “We have observed about a 20-30% increase in cases of gastroenteritis in summer compared to other times.”

Similarly, Dr Bhooshan Pandit, a gastroenterologist at Dr LH Hirananadani Hospital, has also witnessed a 20-30 per cent rise in cases, especially due to heat exposure and lack of sanitized hydration.“In monsoon rains, the cause is waterborne diseases, whereas now it is multifactorial in hot summers. These factors include increased consumption of perishable foods, higher temperatures facilitating bacterial growth, and greater outdoor activities leading to potential exposure to contaminated food and water sources,” said Dr Pandit.

Dr Virani added, “The shelf life of foods decreases considerably due to rising heat levels, causing food to spoil faster. This, coupled with poor hygiene while preparing food, leads to increased gastroenteritis cases.”

Summer gastroenteritis treatment focuses on key measures: avoid extreme heat, hydrate with electrolytes and natural juices, use specific antibiotics for E. coli cases, and incorporate pre-probiotics like curds and buttermilk into the diet for swift recovery.

“School-age children are particularly vulnerable due to their outdoor activities and increased consumption of outside food during holidays. Children, having fewer energy reserves than adults, often require more time to fully recover,” said Dr Virani.

Amoebic dysentery, as described by Dr Amol Vadgaonkar, Consultant in Medical Gastroenterology at HN Reliance Hospital, is witnessing a surge alongside traveler’s diarrhea cases. This infection, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, results in severe symptoms such as diarrhea with blood or mucus.

Dr Vadgaonkar notes that older individuals, particularly those over 40 years old with underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes, are more susceptible to experiencing symptomatic episodes.

The FDA will inspect vendors citywide to ensure the safety of ice used in beverages.