Spurt in gastro, stomach infections before monsoon

May 21, 2016

There were 457 cases of gastroenteritis, 58 cases of hepatitis (A&E) and 61 cases of typhoid so far in May. An average of 800 gastro cases have been reported every month since January this year. Hepatitis even claimed one life in March. Typhoid contributed to over 60 hospitalizations in May alone.

Enteric diseases mainly caused by consumption of contaminated food or water - have led to nearly 600 hospitalizations in the first three weeks of May. Doctors are worried the situation would worsen once the monsoon arrives in June, when water-borne diseases usually see a spurt in the city. 
According to the BMC's Epidemiology Department, there were 457 cases of gastroenteritis, 58 cases of hepatitis (A&E) and 61 cases of typhoid so far in May. An average of 800 Gastro cases have been reported every month since January this year. Hepatitis even claimed one life in March. Typhoid contributed to over 60 hospitalizations in May alone.

A doctor from JJ Hospital said it can be deadly in children or infants.
The medicine outpatient department of Sion Hospital too is treating many cases of people badly affected by the stomach bug. "It is a little early, but we have already seen cases of mild cholera, which can present itself like acute gastroenteritis. We are also treating cases of viral hepatitis but there is nothing alarming," said Dr N D Moulick, head of medicine at Sion Hospital. She said the hospital is prepping for monsoon-related ailments. Andheri-based Physician Dr Vijay Dalal said cases of malaria and dengue too have started coming to OPDs.