Water-borne diseases in India are often a byproduct of the monsoons. With the ensuing issue of increased stagnation of water and unhygienic surroundings, the doctors in Delhi have advised the residents to avoid drinking water from roadside vendors and not indulge in street food.
According to Dr SP Jayant, medical superintendent at GB Pant Hospital, a lot of cases of dengue come in during monsoons because of stagnant water. “During this time dengue spreads relatively faster. Our constant effort is to nip the problem in the bud. People are prone to be surrounded by dirty water, thus, this is on an increase. Malaria and cholera also happen this time,” he said.
Dr SP Byotra, chairman internal medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that leptospyral infections are on the rise during this time. “This infection spreads through rat urine in water. Diseases like jaundice are spread like this. Even mosquito infections like chikungunya are spread during monsoons,” he elaborated.
Drinking purified water and wearing full clothes are the main suggestions given by the doctors. “The water should be boiled for at least 10 minutes and then drunk. Otherwise, one should buy chlorine tablets and put one tablet in every 10 litres of water. This will avoid jaundice, typhoid and cholera,” said Byotra while a senior doctor from Safdarjung Hospital added, “People should walk out fully clad so that they are not prone to insect bites.”
Pant feels that hygiene also plays an important role in avoiding diseases. He said, “Everyone should was their hands before eating anything. Sanitiser should also be used at all times. Monsoons mean that there is infection everywhere.”
Doctors also advice that chaat should be avoided since the vendors carry a lot of infection. Byotra also gave tips on how one should take care of themselves if they get cholera or food poisoning with dirty water. “If anyone feels giddy or unwell, they should have water with salt, sugar and lime. This improves the electrolyte balance in the body,” he said.