Ranchi Weather Fluctuations Trigger Surge in Gastrointestinal Infections and Fever

Ranchi: With differences in maximum and minimum temperatures showing a significant fluctuation over the past 4-5 days, there has been an increase in cases of gastrointestinal infection, fever, diarrhoea and dehydration.

While the difference in day (33.8C) and night temperature (21.4) in the city on Tuesday was 12.4, it was 14.5 on Monday, 15.4 on Sunday and 15.6 on Saturday.

In the medicine OPD of state-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), doctors are reporting at least 300 cases every day, and a large portion of them includes patients suffering from viral infection as well as vector- and water-borne diseases.

Dr Rashmi Sinha, associate professor at the medicine department of Rims, said that around 250 patients used to visit the OPD a week earlier. “But for the past week, we have witnessed an increase of 60-70 cases daily. Out of them, at least 50% of patients reported gastroenteritis, fever and heat-induced dehydration. The increase in cases is due to erratic weather and sudden changes in temperature. We expect the numbers to increase over the next few days as temperature rises further,” Sinha added.

The paediatric department at Rims is also witnessing a steady surge in the OPD, with children reporting fever, diarrhoea and vomiting.

“The increase in temperature provides a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses. Due to that, respiratory tract infections, malaria and heat-induced diarrhoea have emerged as common ailments among the children,” Dr Partha Kumar Choudhary, professor of the paediatrics department, said.

Dr Choudhary advised people to maintain strict personal hygiene, drink plenty of clean water, and avoid consuming street food and emphasise on consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables to combat seasonal diseases. He also advised wearing masks in crowded places to prevent respiratory tract infections.

Dr Nidhi Jha, associate consultant of internal medicine at a private hospital, said that they have witnessed an increase in patients complaining of gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting after eating outside food, and dehydration-related cramp cases.

“A large number of patients reported that they had eaten outside and soon after developed symptoms of gastroenteritis. Dehydration is another major concern. Due to excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake, patients often encounter muscle cramps, weakness and heat-related illnesses,” Dr Jha said.