Diseases are on the prowl
Posted 30 Apr 2018 | Source: Deccan Herald

The unexpected downpour, coupled with garbage can unleash a trail of diseases. The combination of rain and garbage, is deadly, warn physicians in the City and say that people must take all precautions to keep away from contracting diseases.

They caution that people will now have to be more disciplined when eating out and the thrill of eating street food must be more regulated. The doctors say the first step, to fight all diseases, is not to get scared and panic.

Metrolife spoke to a few physicians, infection specialists and the ordinary people to understand what precautions need to be taken to stay away from falling ill. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has done little to clean the City to stop mosquito breeding. Dengue continues to spread and the cases at both the public and private hospitals are increasing.

And now doctors in the City fear that the uncleared garbage may serve as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitos and houseflies, leading to spread of dengue, malaria, jaundice, cholera, hepatitis, gastroenteritis and all kinds of viral infections.

Dr Swati Rajagopal, consultant — infectious diseases, points out that it’s appalling that the government has done nothing to clear garbage and contain the spread of diseases.

“We receive not less than 80 cases of dengue every month. Now, the spread of malaria, typhoid and gastroenteritis are a cause of concern. People must refrain from eating raw food and stick to drinking only clean, boiled water. Also steamed food is best during such weather,” informs Swati. She feels that, “People must be more disciplined when segregating garbage. Also, prolonged fever must not be ignored. It pays to keep the body well hydrated to avoid complications.”

According to Dr Hemant H R, consultant critical care medicine, there are three kinds of viruses that spread in humid weather — mosquito borne, housefly borne and all kinds of viral fever. “Dengue, malaria, chikungunya spread through mosquitos bites and cholera and hepatitis are spread by houseflies. The deadly mix of sewage water with the ordinary water can cause what is called ‘letospirosis’ which is a disease of the liver and kidney where those affected develop high fever and rashes all over the body,” cautions Hemant.

He observes that the high-risk group such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with kidney and heart-related problems must stay away from venturing out too much. “Maintaining personal hygiene is important. Make sure that those who staying outdoors for too long wash their hands, as soon as they get home, to avoid spread of infection,” he adds.

The ordinary people claim that they take the required precautions to steer clear from falling ill. Kumari Rao, a housewife, says, “We have a person who comes and sweeps the street every morning and regular garbage collection ensures that there’s no garbage dump in and around the area we live in,” she says. But Mohan, a student, says, “I find people spitting on the roads from buses. People are still careless when it comes to dumping garbage,” he sums up.