Maharashtra registers 95 heatstroke cases since March 1 amid soaring temperatures

Pune: The number of heatstroke cases in Maharashtra is on the rise as temperatures continue to soar across the state. The health department has reported 95 heatstroke cases from March 1 to April 29, while over 4 lakh people sought treatment at outpatient departments for heat-related symptoms during the period.Four suspected heatstroke deaths have been reported so far in the state since March 1.State epidemiologist Dr Raju Sule said, "We have reported 95 cases of heatstroke and zero confirmed deaths until now. This year, the maximum temperatures have crossed over 40°C in several districts on multiple occasions."Data available with the health department shows nearly 4.08 lakh people have visited medical, cardiac and paediatric OPDs with symptoms related to heatstroke during the period.Based on the health department records, TOI had earlier reported four suspected heatstroke deaths in the state. Two of the casualties were reported from Ahilyanagar, while one each was from Latur and Solapur.Since March 1, Nandurbar has registered the highest number of heatwave cases (14) among all Maharashtra districts, followed by 7 in Nashik and 5 in Gadchiroli. Nandurbar and Gadchiroli have been witnessing severe heatwave conditions in late April, with temperatures crossing the 45°C- marks, making them among the worst-affected districts in the state. In recent days, temperatures in these areas have consistently hovered between 43.2°C and over 45°C, resulting in multiple heatstroke cases.With several districts across Maharashtra recording temperatures above 40°C early in the summer, health authorities have flagged heatstroke as a major public health concern. The health department has directed all district medical officers to ensure the availability of cold rooms at primary health centres. Hospitals and health institutions have also been told to maintain adequate stocks of medicines, intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts.District health officers have further been asked to conduct training sessions for medical officers on diagnosing and reporting heatstroke cases on the state health portal.
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