Summer is here, and so are heat-related illnesses. As of April 7, Karnataka has reported 569 heat-related illnesses, which include 367 cases of heat rash, 131 cases of heat cramps, and 70 cases of heat exhaustion. The lack of rain and water shortage has led to a dependency on unsafe water usage, resulting in a rise in gastroenteritis cases and cholera.
The IT capital of India, known for its otherwise cool temperature, has been facing consistent spike in mercury levels with no sign of pre-monsoon showers. On April 2, the city recorded 37.6 degrees Celsius, a soaring temperature highest in the last eight years.
Heat-related illnesses in Bangalore
On April 5, 47 medicos from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) women’s hostel were admitted to the Victoria Hospital for acute gastroenteritis infection. Out of which, two tested positive for cholera. They were discharged after receiving the required treatments.
Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by the organism Vibrio cholera. “Both gastroenteritis and cholera have similar symptoms. However, in a person with cholera, the symptoms develop quickly and get severe in a short exposure period,” says Dr Dinesh V Kamath, consultant internal medicine, Manipal Hospital, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.
“We are seeing a lot of gastroenteritis cases in outpatients and inpatients in our hospital. A few cases of cholera have also been diagnosed in the city,” said Dr Kamath, cautioning the public to be aware of symptoms. As per the data from Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department, 14 cholera cases were reported in 2024, of which 13 are from Bangalore and its peripheries and one from Ramanagar.
On April 5, Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao clarified that there was no cholera outbreak in the state. His post on X said there were chances of waterborne infections such as GE and cholera during the summer due to water shortage, and the department had issued guidelines to maintain preventive measures.
Summer and infections
It is crucial to know the signs and not neglect them. “In most cases, people who are dehydrated end up drinking just water, which is insufficient to replace the lost electrolyte and rehydrate them,” Dr Kamath said, stressing that initial signs must not be ignored.
“Water shortage further reduces the cleanliness in hostels, restaurants, and several households and increases food-borne infections,” says Dr Vishnu N Hayagreev, professor of medicine Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College and director of Sree Maruti Hospital, Bangalore.
“Children and elderly are more vulnerable to infections. Most of these infections spread through contaminated food or water, which can be avoided by not eating or drinking outside. Mosquitoes and houseflies also play a role in spreading infections during summer,” said Dr Hayagreev.
Apart from waterborne infections, prolonged exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, from mild heat exhaustion to heat strokes, which are considered medical emergencies.
If it is heat exhaustion, one may experience heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headaches, and fainting. Meanwhile, in a heat stroke, one may experience a high body temperature (103°F or higher), hot, red, dry, damp skin, strong pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and fainting.
Tackling heat-related illnesses
While heat strokes are a medical emergency, heat exhaustion can be partially managed at home. If you are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion, move to a cool place immediately. Also, loosen your clothes, put cool or wet clothes on your body. Take a cool bath and sip some water. In case of a heat stroke, get medical help right away. In the meantime, you can move the person to a cool area and help lower the person’s temperature with cool clothes or a cool water bath. For someone suffering from a heat stroke, do not give anything to drink.
Wash hands regularly, maintain hygiene, drink hot water, and cover food or water with a lid before and after consuming to help prevent the spread of the infections, says Dr Hayagreev. “Always carry your water bottle and some fresh fruits while stepping out,” he adds.
“Drinking oral rehydration solution, tender coconut, or electrolyte solution will help rehydrate oneself,” said Dr Kamath. If the dehydration persists, one must consult a doctor.
In cases of cholera and GE, treatment includes assessing the extent of dehydration and hydrating the affected individuals. “In acute heat illness cases, we also check for complications like renal issues, low BP, less urine formation and if the person is losing consciousness. Antibiotics are given depending on the assessment,” said Dr Hayagreev.
Takeaways
- With the increase in temperature, the city is seeing a rise in water-borne infections like gastroenteritis and typhoid.
- Apart from waterborne infections, prolonged exposure to heat can cause various heat-related illnesses.
- Dehydrated people end up drinking just water that is insufficient to replace the lost electrolytes.
- Ensuring hygiene, drinking plenty of water, and ORS helps prevent dehydration.
