Ludhiana, May 7
The scorching heat and increase in temperature have brought various contagious diseases like typhoid, gastro-enteritis, viral fever, cold and diarrhoea with it. Though the Health Department has initiated several steps to bring awareness about these diseases among the masses, there has been an increase in the number of cases of typhoid and gastro-enteritis in the city.
Dr Gursharan Singh, president of the local unit of the Indian Medical Association, said as summer was at its peak, there was a fear of outbreak of several epidemics. He said one of the main reasons for the rise in gastro cases was the unabated sale of uncovered cut fruits in the city. The flies, insects and mosquitoes on the uncovered food were the infection sources of these diseases. Besides, over-population and insanitation were some other reasons for the spread of these contagious diseases.
“People should avoid having cut fruits from rehris. These can be very dangerous during summers. They should try to take boiled and chlorinated water. The authorities concerned should launch a drive to maintain the proper sanitation in the city because lack of proper sanitary conditions and consumption of unhygienic food, milk or water can lead to these diseases”, added Dr Gursharan.
Dr Rajoo Singh Chhina from the Department of Gastro-enteritis, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said due to the multiplication of bacteria and virus in the summers, the cases of diarrhoea, gastro, food poisoning, typhoid and viral fever are commonly reported.
Dr Chhina stated that people complain of stomach ache and abdominal pain. Children suffer from various chest infections. Proper washing of utensils was very necessary. People should have properly cooked light and hot meal throughout summers. “Always insist on clean utensils and hot food if you happen to eat in a stall, restaurant or hotel”, added Dr Chhina.
Dr Narrottam Dewan of Dewan Hospital said typhoid cases were on rise in the city. He said in the past 20 days a number of typhoid patients had come to him. He said, “Typhoid was caused by bacteria salmonella typhi and parathypi through faecal-oral route. A person is at maximum risk while travelling and when forced to consume water and food in doubtful cleanliness. Once infected, a person may become a carrier for years”.
Dr Dewan said one should always take along boiled and cooled water and milk while travelling. People should not eat food kept and sold in the open. He stressed on proper washing of hands before eating. “Typhoid vaccination could also provide 65 per cent protection”, added Dr Dewan.
