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Govt hospitals see marked spike in diarrhoea cases

Last Updated 04 May 2015, 02:27 IST

With the rise in temperatures, government hospitals reported a marked increase in diarrhoea cases among children. There is at least 30 per cent increase in admission cases and in the turnout of patients in OPD across hospitals, said doctors.

Waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, jaundice, typhoid are being reported across hospitals. But till now, the marked increase has been noted mostly in cases of diarrhoea. This is a seasonal trend, said doctors.

The figures will double in the current month as observed yearly from the trends, they added.

“In April, 46 patients suffering from diarrhoea have been admitted at our hospital. The figures are likely to go up to 100 in May with scarcity of water sources. It is important children take precautions during this season,” said Dr Alok Agarwal, paediatrics head, Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. The hospital has seen around 40 per cent increase in patients suffering from diarrhoea in the outpatient department (OPD).

Cases of food poisoning are also being reported even though there has not been an alarming increase in such cases yet.

Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) has seen 30 per cent increase in children being admitted with diarrhoea. While those with severe infection are being admitted, doctors at the OPD has seen an increase by 10 per cent here.

“Most number of cases that we are receiving in this season are of diarrhoea. There has been a spurt in cases in both the IPD (indoor patient department) and OPD,” said Dr A P Dubey, head of the paediatric unit, LNJP.

Diarrhoea is triggered low hygienic levels. Poor quality drinking water is the major factor leading to diarrhoea cases. Outside food, cut fruits are also other factors leading to diarrhoea. Doctors said it is important that children suffering from diarrhoea are immediately given oral rehydration solution (ORS).  It is also important to maintain high hygiene level like washing hands repeatedly during this season.

At Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital, there has been an increase in 25-30 per cent summer-related ailments in the past month.

“The cases have increased in both OPD and those being admitted,” said Dr Ramesh Chugh, medical superintendent at the hospital.

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(Published 04 May 2015, 02:27 IST)

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