While the lack of rainfall has effectively helped curb the breeding of the various types of dengue mosquitoes in Delhi, the hot and humid weather has brought with it its own troubles.
Chronic problems in the chest, viral hepatitis infections and gastroenteritis have affected several people. Doctors say that though the dengue scare is not there this time, diseases like jaundice and typhoid are becoming very common. Doctors say that the only way to rid self of these diseases is by taking sufficient precautions. Some of them are boiling water for 10 minutes before drinking it, cleaning filters regularly, not eating outside food and storing cooked food in the refrigerator at all times.
“Viral hepatitis outbreaks are very common in this kind of weather. This happens mainly because of the consumption of dirty or unpurified water. People tend to drink a lot of water and from anywhere because of the heat. This leads to infection and spread of diseases. Even cases of gastroenteritis and food poisoning are very common. Proper water sanitation should be done and one should not consume street food. Though there is no dengue outbreak, people should take precautions. In one rainfall, dengue will be back as Delhi fosters all types of the mosquito which is dangerous,” Ekta Gupta, assistant professor of clinical virology at the Institute of liver and Billary Sciences.
“We have seen number of cases of fall in platelet count but hardly any of those cases have been of dengue. However, though there is no rainfall and dengue is prevented, this weather is harmful for children and elderly especially because of spread of virus and bacteria. There are unexplained fevers and lot of throat infection cases. People should restrain from stepping too much out of their houses for meals because infection is rampant. Street food should be a complete no. People should also take care that the fruit they consume even at home is properly washed,” Dr DG Jain, Senior Consultant, Fortis Jessa Ram Hospital.
“This year the cases of dengue have been comparatively lesser because of the lack of rainfall. However, cases regarding chest respiratory infections, bronchitis and water-borne diseases like typhoid, gastroenteritis and viral hepatitis (jaundice) have been rampant. It is suggested that people take care of what water they drink and what food they eat. One of the main things they should do is boil water for at least 10 minutes before drinking. Filters also sometimes carry these infections because people don’t clean them properly. Thus, irrespective of whether the water is filtered or not, it should be boiled. Even cut fruits from the roadside should be avoided. Salads served at wedding are also not a good option. One of the best things to have in this weather is lemon water with salt. It boosts your immune system,” (IlBS) Dr SP Byotra, Chairman, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.