The number of cholera cases in the city has doubled in comparison to last month. While 12 cases of cholera were tested positive in June, 25 patients have been diagnosed with cholera this months so far. Until last year, the civic body records show that no person tested positive for cholera in the confirmatory culture test, but more people testing positive for cholera has left doctors worried of a sudden spurt.
Meanwhile, other waterborne diseases including gastroenteritis, typhoid and hepatitis are also on a steady rise with heavy rains reported across the city.
In fact, the number of Mumbaites taking ill due to gastroenteritis in the city has increased from 1,297 in June to 2007 this month (till July 21), as per the civic body’s health department.
Doctors are worried over the surge in gastroenteritis cases, as many patients are not responding to the conventional method of treatment. “We are seeing patients who are not responding to antibiotics, which would usually work for these patients. Many have to be put on intravenous drug treatment,” said Dr Hemant Thacker, physician, Jaslok Hospital, Peddar Road.
Majority of the patients are requiring hospitalisation for at least two to four days owing to complications involved, said doctors. “Owing to severe dehydration, patients are coming in with kidney failures also,” said Dr Thacker.