As Gastroenteritis Cases Rise Among Children In Mumbai, Here’s Everything You Need To Know About It & How To Stay Safe

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common illnesses observed during the monsoon. This season, the health experts in Mumbai are observing a different and concerning pattern of gastroenteritis where symptoms like fever and vomiting persist for over a week. They have also observed a surge in cases, especially among children in the city. So, read on to know more about gastroenteritis and how to keep your kids safe.

Gastroenteritis Cases Rise Among Children In Mumbai

Health experts in Mumbai have seen a surge in gastroenteritis cases in the city, especially among children. Unlike usual gastro cases in monsoon, this time they are seeing atypical and prolonged symptoms that continue over a week. According to a Mid-Day report, paediatricians in Mumbai are coming across cases with acute intestinal infection, fever, vomiting, and loose motions that persist for a week.

Many children are showing symptoms of acute intestinal infection in Mumbai. One of the worst cases observed so far was of a two-year-old kid who had to be hospitalised for medical assistance for a week! As per the Mid-Day report, the child in Mumbai has loose motions 25-30 times a day due to gastroenteritis. He was severely dehydrated and his condition was worsening before he was hospitalised.

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Causes, Symptoms & Ways To Keep Safe From Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is basically an inflammation along the lining of the stomach and intestines. While it is not a serious ailment in general, if the symptoms persist, then gastroenteritis can cause dehydration and lead to severe health complications. Also, it is highly contagious, so it is best to stay home for the first few days.

Viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, or parasites usually cause gastroenteritis. For Mumbai, a health expert told Mid-Day that the recent heavy rainfall could be the reason for the rise in cases of gastroenteritis. According to him, the heavy rainfall led to the mixing of sewer and drinking water lines. Also, because of the waterlogging in the city, the sewer water ended up mixing with underground drinking water in storage tanks of residential and commercial buildings. All this caused a surge of gastroenteritis cases in Mumbai.

Here are some symptoms of gastroenteritis to watch out for –

1. Fever
2. Abdominal cramps/pain
3. Diarrhoea
4. Vomiting
5. Bloody stools (in some cases)
6. Nausea
7. Body ache

Here are some ways to keep safe from gastroenteritis –

1. If you have gastroenteritis, then stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Since it is contagious, it’s best to stay at home.
2. Wash hands with soap thoroughly and regularly.
3. Use paper towels to dry your hands instead of a towel as bacteria can survive for some time on objects.
4. Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment clean.
5. Wash all the vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
6. Avoid raw meat, fish, and unpasteurized milk.
7. Keep the bathrooms clean and sanitised.

Keep these few things in mind and take good care of yourself and the people around you!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)