Heatwave triggers rise in water-borne diseases across Hyderabad

Hyderabad hospitals are witnessing a sharp rise in water-borne diseases, gastro cases and kidney-related infections as temperatures continue to cross 41 degrees Celsius. Doctors have warned people to consume treated water and avoid unhygienic food and drinks during the ongoing heatwave

Hyderabad: With mercury consistently crossing 41 degree Celsius for more than a week, people in Hyderabad are not just battling heatwaves, but they are grappling with a surge of seasonal ailments, triggered by the hostile weather.

In addition to heat strokes, private nursing homes, clinics, government general hospitals across Hyderabad and surrounding districts of Sangareddy, Vikarabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri and Bhongir, are witnessing a significant surge in cases of gastro and other water-borne ailments like typhoid and diarrhoea.

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“This is the time when people tend to fall sick because they do not ensure the water is treated properly before consuming. Summer is always known to trigger water-borne ailment. Families must ensure food is not stale and drinking water is treated,” says senior Resident Medical Officer (RM) at Fever Hospital, Nallakunta.

Consumption of contaminated water, unhygienic street-side cool drinks and purchasing ice from unorganized sector is causing a significant surge in cases of typhoid and diarrhea in Hyderabad, doctors said.

Private hospitals in Hyderabad are also reporting a rise in kidney related infections during the ongoing summer. The combination of intense perspiration and the dehydrating effects of gastrointestinal infections is pushing renal systems to the brink, they pointed out.

“We are seeing an alarming trend of heat-induced nephropathy, where the kidneys suffer due to the dual blow of high internal temperatures and a lack of filtration fluid,” explains Dr Naveen kumar, a senior nephrologist at Care Hospitals Malakpet.

The danger is particularly high for those who develop diarrhea; they lose electrolytes and blood volume simultaneously, which can trigger Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) if not treated immediately, doctors pointed out