Heatwave breeds illnesses

Srinagar, Jul 5: As the unprecedented heatwave continues to keep Kashmir in its grip, people here are afflicted with many ailments arising out of the direct effect of temperature on the human body, as well as the microbial proliferation in water and food.

Doctors have advised a slew of precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Care is a must for newborns and children, they said.

Several children with gastrointestinal infections are reporting to hospitals and private practitioners in Kashmir amidst the heat wave.

Doctors treating children said diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever are very common and result in severe dehydration in many children, necessitating admission too.

In addition, children have been affected by hepatitis, typhoid, and many other waterborne diseases.

In addition, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are putting lives at risk, not just among children but among adults and the elderly as well.

Many people are reporting to the hospital with extreme exhaustion, some being brought in after fainting while being in the sun.

“Water is contaminated in many parts of Kashmir. Faecal contamination and dangerous microbial presence are causing outbreaks,” Prof Muzaffar Jan, former Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, said.

He said contaminated food was also a major cause of illness.

“Children consume outside food which is not fresh, and the heat and moisture make it highly contaminated with microbes that cause illness,” he said.

Prof Jan advised families to prepare fresh food and consume it the same day.

“Don’t keep food for the next day,” he said.

Prof Jan said that fruits must be thoroughly checked before they are consumed.

“Buy whole fruits, not the ones that are already cut like watermelons and papayas,” he said.

Prof Jan said children should not be permitted to play outside during the peak sunny hours.

“They may not consume adequate water, or consume water that may not be fit for drinking. In both cases, their health is at risk,” he said.

Prof Jan advised against overdressing newborns.

“In Kashmir, we have a habit of overdressing newborns. They need to be kept at a normal temperature with light cotton clothing in this weather, not caps, socks and a sweater,” he said.

While the schools are set to reopen soon, doctors said it was important to ensure that children travel in safe transport.

“The children are often crammed in buses and vans. This needs to stop,” a senior doctor said.

He said many schools take children out to nearby parks for “games” which risks their well-being.

“Outside activities need to stop during the heatwave for children,” he said.

Reports of waterborne diseases have been emerging from many parts of J&K over the past few weeks. Waterborne diseases have also been responsible for deaths in some parts.