Maharashtra logs 292 heatstroke cases this summer, 21 deaths

Pune: Maharashtra has recorded 292 heatstroke cases and 15 suspected deaths between March 1 and June 4 this year, with six fatalities confirmed so far as intense summer heat drives health concerns across the state.Confirmed deaths have been reported from Latur (1), Akola (2), Gadchiroli (1) and Jalgaon (2), health department data shows. Authorities have urged vulnerable groups — including the elderly, outdoor workers and those with chronic illnesses — to avoid peak-heat hours, stay hydrated and seek early medical care.Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director, health services, Maharashtra, said the intensity of heat this year has affected most districts. “Those with comorbidities and difficult working environments need to be cautious. We advise people to wear light-coloured clothes, stay hydrated and ensure primary health centres are stocked with medicines and equipped with cooling facilities,” he said.Doctors have also flagged a rise in serious heat-related complications affecting neurological, cardiovascular and renal systems. Dr Avinash Ignatius, nephrologist at Noble Hospitals, warned that heat-related kidney injury was affecting not just labourers but also children and younger adults because of dehydration and low awareness.Vulnerable groups such as diabetics, hypertensive patients and those with existing kidney disease face higher risks. He cited a recent case of a 45-year-old diabetic who collapsed after severe dehydration following prolonged outdoor exposure, requiring hospitalisation and several days for kidney recovery.Healthcare data indicates the growing burden, with heat-related OPD visits rising by 5-15% and hospital admissions by 2-8% compared to last year, said Dr Meenakshi Dinde, consultant, obstetrics and gynecology, Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital.She added that heat stress can disrupt blood supply to vital organs and that women face additional risks, with studies showing 70% reporting symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and dehydration during peak summer months.