Amid Delhi floods, beware of those sicknesses that may play havoc along with your well being

Excessive rainfall prior to now few weeks has led to waterlogging in lots of components of Delhi, Mumbai and different cities of India. Stagnant water can promote development of mildew, micro organism and likewise enhance mosquito breeding. Many folks have been reporting stomach infections and vector-borne illnesses too are on rise with surge in instances of dengue, malaria and chikungunya. As monsoon is right here for a while, one shouldn’t solely get their umbrellas and raincoats prepared, but in addition take well being precautions and measures to stop water from amassing round their houses to stop mosquito breeding. Boiling water earlier than consuming it and avoiding road meals which can have been ready in unhygienic circumstances is really useful. (Also learn: 5 tips to keep fit during monsoons)

“Of late, waterlogging has become a prevalent and significant health concern. It not only impacts infrastructure and agriculture but also poses substantial health risks. As the monsoon season advances, the problem is expected to worsen. The absence of adequate drainage systems and insufficient wastewater treatment further complicates the management of waterlogging,” says Dr Dharmendra Kumar, Senior Consultant, Dept of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

Common illnesses attributable to waterlogging

Dr Dharmendra shares prime 10 sicknesses that may be precipitated on account of waterlogging

Water air pollution ensuing from waterlogging can facilitate the unfold of various waterborne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. These sicknesses happen as a result of consumption of water containing faeces or dangerous microorganisms. Also, the buildup of stagnant water attributable to waterlogging creates a beneficial setting for mosquitoes and different vectors that carry disease-causing pathogens. In areas with stagnant water, illnesses unfold by mosquitoes, resembling dengue fever, malaria, and the Zika virus, can quickly propagate.

1. Gastrointestinal infections

The incidence of waterlogging will increase the possibilities of contracting gastrointestinal infections attributable to micro organism, viruses, and parasites. This can lead to varied frequent illnesses like gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and dysentery, that are primarily unfold by means of contaminated water or meals.

2. Respiratory illnesses

Continuous publicity to damp and mouldy environment on account of waterlogging can act as a catalyst for respiratory points resembling bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis. The launch of mould spores into the air can worsen pre-existing respiratory circumstances.

3. Skin infections

Extended publicity to waterlogged areas can lead to the event of various pores and skin infections, together with dermatitis, eczema, and fungal infections. The extreme moisture, coupled with the presence of micro organism and fungi, creates an optimum setting for the proliferation of those infections.

4. Leptospirosis

Waterlogging is incessantly linked to leptospirosis, which is a bacterial an infection. The micro organism can enter the physique by means of cuts or abrasions, resulting in a spread of signs from a gentle flu-like sickness to extreme issues that have an effect on important organs such because the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

5. Eye infections

The incidence of waterlogging can heighten the possibilities of eye infections resembling conjunctivitis and keratitis. Pathogens current within the water, mixed with extended publicity to damp circumstances, can contribute to the event of those infections, leading to signs resembling redness, itching, and discomfort.

6. Meningitis

The presence of waterlogging in sure areas raises the danger of meningitis, which is characterised by irritation of the membranes surrounding the mind and spinal twine. Bacterial or viral infections, transmitted by means of contaminated water sources, may give rise to this doubtlessly life-threatening situation.

7. Dengue fever

The accumulation of stagnant water in waterlogged areas creates a perfect breeding habitat for Aedes mosquitoes, that are chargeable for transmitting the dengue virus. Dengue fever can lead to extreme flu-like signs resembling a excessive fever, complications, and joint and muscle ache. In extreme instances, it may well even result in haemorrhagic fever.

8. Chikungunya

Like dengue fever, Chikungunya can also be transmitted by mosquitoes that breed in waterlogged areas. It manifests with signs resembling fever, joint ache, rash, and fatigue, which might persist for extended durations and vastly have an effect on a person’s high quality of life.

Dr Aditya Chowti, Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru advertisements extra monsoon sicknesses to the listing.

9. Cholera

It is an acute diarrheal sickness attributable to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera spreads by means of contaminated water or meals, and signs embody watery diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dehydration.

10. Typhoid fever

This critical bacterial an infection is attributable to Salmonella typhi. It spreads by means of contaminated meals or water. Symptoms of typhoid fever embody fever, headache, fatigue, cough, constipation, and rose-coloured spots on the chest and stomach.

11. Hepatitis A

It is a liver an infection attributable to the hepatitis A virus, which spreads by means of contaminated meals or water. Symptoms embody fever, fatigue, lack of urge for food, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and darkish urine.

12. Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne sickness attributable to the Plasmodium parasite. Symptoms embody fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

To forestall waterlogging and cut back the danger of related illnesses, Dr Chowti suggests you to contemplate the next measures:

• Improved drainage: Implement efficient drainage techniques to permit extra water to circulate away, stopping water accumulation.
• Planting timber: Trees assist soak up water and cut back runoff. They additionally present shade, protecting the soil cooler and decreasing evaporation.
• Embankments: Construct embankments to stop water from flowing into particular areas.
• Flood management measures: Utilize flood management strategies resembling levees and dams to stop flooding, which might result in waterlogging.

Additionally, take precautions to stop the unfold of illnesses attributable to waterlogging:

• Consume secure water: Drink solely bottled or boiled water and keep away from consuming water from doubtlessly contaminated sources resembling streams, rivers, or lakes.
• Practice correct hygiene: Wash your arms incessantly with cleaning soap and water, particularly earlier than consuming, after utilizing the bathroom, and after altering diapers.
• Cook meals completely: Ensure meals is cooked correctly to eradicate any micro organism which may be current.
• Use insect repellent: Protect your self from mosquitoes by utilizing insect repellents.