Despite the fact that mercury is below 40 degree Celsius in the State, humid climate is proving fatal for the residents as two-dozen fresh cases of DVD (Diarrheoa, vomiting, dysentery) are frequently reporting to the Government hospital in the State.
Medicos warned that dehydration is the main reason behind the loss of life and elderly people and children are among the most vulnerable in terms of falling prey to the deadly disease.
“Around 20 per cent cases of gastroenteritis and DVD are reported to be increased in the last few days,” lamented Dr SD Joshi, senior physician of Doon Hospital, adding that most of those affected are from the slums where dwellers tend to eat stale food which is left open and drink impure water. He further said that there is growth of bacteria in the food left open for hours and contaminated water is a cause for such diseases. He further informed that nausea, vomiting, diarrheoa, loss of appetite, fever, headache, abnormal flatulence, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps are among the major symptoms of gastroenteritis related diseases.
Dr Joshi stressed that patients suffering from DVD should immediately increase the intake of liquid diets since it is the most appropriate treatment in the most cases of minor diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is a symptom of infection caused by a host of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms and most of which is be spread by contaminated water. It is more common when there is a shortage of clean potable water for drinking, cooking and cleaning and basic hygiene is important in prevention.
Echoing same views, Dr DP Joshi, neonatologist at Doon Hospital said that infants are most vulnerable to get infected from gastroenteritis diseases due to their unhealthy eating habits and low body immunity power.
After issuing warning, Dr Joshi said that the situation may turn fatal for children in case of excessive loss of water in the body.
It is a matter of grim concern that the number of children suffering from disease is around a dozen. Hospital administration claimed that patients are recuperating fast as medical officers are experienced enough to deal with such cases and hospital has enough stock of life saving drugs.