Risk of waterborne diseases high, say docs

Doctors have warned that as several people had to wade through waterlogged streets on Tuesday, they have a high chance of contracting waterborne diseases.

Dr Avinash Supe, dean of KEM Hospital, said, “There have been no cases so far. We will soon start detecting cases related to gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, after few days. The government has come up with a preventive measures protocal to be announced on Thursday.”

Dr Mini Khetrapal, BMC’s epidemeology department in-charge, said, “There will be health camps in high-risk pockets where larger number of leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases are likely to be detected. For the next two months we will have to examine the cases. There will be house-to-house surveys to identify fever cases to get early detection in order to put them on treatment.”

“There is a high risk of contracting hepatitis, gastroenteritis and leptospirosis for those who have come in contact with contaminated water. Chemo Prophylaxis with cap Doxycycline 200mg(contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 8yrs) once a week can prevent Leptospirosis. This is specifically for those who have waded through water or have deep visible injuries on exposed body parts,” said Dr Sandeep Patil, Physician & Intensivist Fortis.

Just like these commuters who were stranded on …read more