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The monsoon may bring much-needed relief from a scorching summer but it also comes with an attendant retinue of disease-causing microbes. And with large parts of Delhi flooded and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, our gut health is likely to become most vulnerable. Not all monsoon gastric diseases are serious if treated in time but their severity may increase if no correctives are taken at the right time.
Microbes like E.coli, salmonella enterica and rotavirus are the main causes of water-borne zoonotic diseases. Livestock, poultry and fish are affected and act as hosts and disease carriers. “There is a sudden surge in the patients who come to our OPDs with stomach infections like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or food poisoning. That’s because the flooding caused by rain causes contamination of water lines and there is a greater risk of toxins leaching into water that we use. And food that’s not prepared in the home with care is prone to being more unhygienic,” says Dr Anukalp Prakash, Lead Consultant, Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
WHAT ARE COMMON STOMACH INFECTIONS?
1. Dysentery and diarrhoea: Amoebic dysentery or bacteria-induced diarrhoea may result in stomach pain, loose motions and nausea. Appropriate medication and adequate water with electrolytes will help replenish the fluid loss and help you maintain your energy levels. Home-cooked, safe food that is easy to digest will help your stomach recover faster.
2. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. It is usually not serious in healthy people but can lead to severe symptoms. “Consult a doctor in case of high fever, blood in stools, signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, little or no urine, severe weakness and lightheadedness,” says Suresh Jain, gastroenterologist at Jehangir Hospital, Pune.
3. Typhoid: It is a serious bacterial infection that, if untreated, may be life-threatening. High fever, stomach pain, nausea and vomitting are common symptoms of typhoid. Consult your doctor for proper medication to treat this infection.
4. Hepatitis A and Jaundice: Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that results in inflammation (swelling) of the liver. It is a vaccine-preventable disease. Poor sanitation, unhygienic eating habits and water and food contamination can cause liver dysfunction, giving your eyes a yellow colour, yellow urine, white stools, and stomach pain. Yellow colouration is due to increased bilirubin levels. Immediately contact your doctor for treatment options for jaundice.
WHAT SHOULD YOUR EATING HABITS BE?
— Wash your hands properly before eating or touching your mouth and face.
— Avoid outside food. “If we eat out, we should avoid eating raw items like salad, chutneys and curd,” says Dr Prakash. “For instance, if one is eating say a dosa, then try avoiding the chutney. The same holds true for cold salads. As far as possible try eating hot food – at outside eateries – if not at home. Prefer fresh, fully cooked food. Avoid street food, fast food, cold/stored/open wet/raw undercooked food,” adds Dr Umesh Vaidya, Head, Neonatology, KEM Hospital, Pune.
— Keep typhoid, and rotavirus at bay – Complete age-appropriate vaccinations and ensure strict water quality measures. As Dr Pramod Kulkarni, a specialist consultant in paediatric infectious diseases, says, “Use potable/sterile water for drinking and cooking by boiling for 10 minutes. Use UV/RO purifiers only. Avoid casual contact with stagnant/muddy/dirty open water.” We should be very cautious about drinking water because most gut infections and hepatitis are caused by contaminated water. Drink filtered or boiled water. “Ninety nine per cent infections during monsoon are water and food-borne,” says Dr Pradeep Sharma, colorectal and GI surgeon, Pune.
— Keep surroundings clean. Should you fall sick, take plenty of fluids, electrolytes, probiotics and rest.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR IN RESTAURANTS
According to Dr Harsh Kapoor, Chairman (Pan Metro), Institute of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, GI Surgery and Liver Transplant, Metro Hospitals, “During the rainy season, there is an increased risk of contamination of all ingredients. Flooded areas can lead to contaminated water sources, affecting the quality of produce. Restaurants may unknowingly source ingredients that have been exposed to contaminated water, posing a risk of foodborne illnesses,” he says.
There is a higher risk of spoilage of perishable items. “The high humidity levels and fluctuations in temperature during the rainy season create favourable conditions for the growth of bacteria and mould. Perishable items such as dairy products, meats, and vegetables are more prone to spoilage if not handled and stored properly by restaurants. Consuming spoiled food can lead to food poisoning. The rain attracts an increase in pests such as flies, mosquitoes and rodents. If restaurants do not have proper pest control measures in place, these pests can contaminate food and food preparation areas, leading to health risks for consumers. If restaurants do not have proper sanitation and hygiene practices, there is a possibility of water contamination, which can further affect food safety,” he adds. Besides, restaurants rely on refrigeration and proper storage conditions to maintain the freshness and safety of food.
“Extended power outages in flooded areas can compromise the quality of stored food, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and food-borne illnesses. Look for establishments that have proper certifications and follow food safety regulations. Inquire about the sourcing of ingredients, especially during the rainy season. Ask if the restaurant takes precautions to ensure the freshness and safety of the produce they use. Opt for well-cooked food, as cooking at high temperatures helps kill bacteria and other pathogens that may be present. Avoid undercooked or raw food items, particularly meat and seafood. Avoid street food during this time,” he says.
Monsoon disease prevention tips are not difficult to follow. Prevention is a health protocol that is needed for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, infants and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to infectious diseases and therefore need to be more careful.
