Doctors flag rising health risks after heavy rains in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Although hospitals have not reported a noticeable spike in illnesses and hospitalisations linked to the rainfall and flooding, doctors have cautioned that this may be seen in the coming days.

Dr Carolin Elizabeth George, consultant and HoD of community medicine at a private hospital in Hebbal, said that it might take a week to see a spike in cases. “Dengue is a risk, and so are waterborne diseases such as Hepatitis A and typhoid due to contaminated water. We might start seeing cases in a few days or a week from now,” she said.

She also highlighted the dangers that flooded roads with potholes pose to safety. “We might see cases of acute pain and injuries, especially because of ongoing construction work on roads.”

Dr Ajith Benedict Rayan, medical director of a private hospital in the heart of the city, said that at least 15 people have come to the hospital with injuries linked to waterlogged roads since last Saturday. “One of the more severe cases was that of a young man’s ankle fracture due to slipping and falling on a waterlogged road,” he told DH.

While the physical health impacts of rains are discussed, the mental health impact of waterlogged homes is not addressed as much, said Dr Arvind Kasthuri, professor of community health at a hospital in south Bengaluru.

“It’s always the poor and those who lack adequate shelter who are badly affected, but when it floods, its effects cut across socioeconomic status to some extent. When someone’s shelter gets compromised, it’s quite a blow to one’s mental health that might take them a long time to recover from,” he said.