Ludhiana, June 4
The Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) here has sounded a note of caution to the residents asking them to take adequate preventive measures against outbreak of gastroenteritis and other water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid and jaundice, which were common in the prevailing season.
The hospital claimed to be receiving between 5 to 6 cases of gastroenteritis on an average every day, most of them children, in the OPD and the number of cases was expected to go up in coming days. Dr Jugesh Chattwal, Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics in the CMCH, observed that during this season and the rainy season, which would follow, acute diarrhoea and gastroenteritis were a common occurrence, caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites from infected food or water. As the monsoon approached, typhoid and jaundice cases could become more common and the people could also be afflicted with cholera.
She said the ailment was an inflammation of stomach and intestines, which caused vomiting and diarrhoea that usually subsided in 2 to 5 days with proper care. If ignored, it could lead to severe complications, mainly among children. “Thus, it is vital to recognise the related symptoms and seek necessary medical advice.”
Dr Chattwal, while maintaining that all these diseases were caused due to intake of contaminated food and water, cautioned the people against eating uncovered food or eatables that were handled with unclean hands, food which was not stored properly or unhygienic conditions. Similarly, cold drinks made from contaminated water or ice creams, not stored properly, could also cause these diseases.
She advised the people to immediately start oral rehydration of the victims of gastroenteritis and not to give any medicine to the patient without seeking advice from the doctor.
