Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Neelam Singh
The Silicon Valley of India often makes it to various surveys as the most liveable city in India. But recently this promising startup hub witnessed massive floods. As monsoon rains lashed Bengaluru unabated, weak infrastructure gave in and water inundated large parts of the city. The inconvenience due to water-logged roads and disruption in normal lives weren’t the only battle for the citizens of Bengaluru to fight. The stagnated water also left behind a trail of infectious diseases.
The unhygienic conditions exposed many, particularly, the marginalized sections of the society, to a gamut of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. As reported by the Deccan Herald, the children rescued from the flooded slum dwellings in Kadugodi in Whitefield, suffered from diarrhea and injuries.
The slums of Bellandur, Marathahalli, Brookfield, Palyam, Whitefield and BEML Layout were half submerged in water. Around 800 houses and 2000 inhabitants of Munnekolala slums near Marathahalli, were reportedly affected during floods.
Surge in dengue and viral infections
Hospitals in the city reported an increase in the number of patients suffering from dengue and viral fever. Dr. Subrata Das, Internal Medicine, Sakra World Hospital, expresses, “At the hospital, we are witnessing more dengue patients. In the last one week, we have witnessed around 4-5 cases of dengue every day. There are a lot of flu cases also prevalent, and people are getting cold, cough and fever. There is also a significant rise in water-borne infections such as diarrhea, stomach infection which have significantly increased from the baseline. The incidence of intestinal infections is about 30 per cent more than what it was earlier.”
Spike in gastroenteritis cases
The recent floods have put the citizens of Bengaluru at risk of several infectious diseases. Accumulated water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread infections like dengue, malaria and others. It also leads to illnesses like gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A. Fortunately, Bengaluru didn’t see a spurt of Cholera cases, it, however, reported a jump in dengue and gastroenteritis cases.
“I dealt with several cases of gastroenteritis from East Bangalore, like Mahadevapura which was severely affected due to floods. Since I practice telemedicine, I also cater to several cities and districts outside Bangalore and observed that Ramnagar and Channapatna reported several cases of upper respiratory infections and chest congestion. In any floods, the risk of water contamination runs very high which is why there are so many gastroenteritis cases. It has been particularly bad this year,” says Dr. Haleema Yezdani, Senior manager telemedicine and general physician at Connect and Heal, a health-tech platform in Bengaluru.
To check the rise in infections post-floods, Health Commissioner Randeep D had directed the district health officers and health officers in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to prepare a detailed action plan to contain the spread of communicable diseases. Rapid response teams at the taluk and district levels were asked to be vigilant.
Underlining the need to be alert, Dr. Aravinda S N, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital says, “There is an increased risk of infection of water-borne diseases contracted through direct contact with polluted waters, such as loose stool, vomiting and respiratory tract infection. Also, contamination of drinking-water causes water borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A. Post such floodings, mosquito borne diseases like dengue, malaria, etc., especially in endemic areas, have increased. Viral infections also saw a surge. Most affected are young adults and pediatrics.”
Leptospirosis is a particularly bacterial disease which is rare but can affect both humans and animals. It spreads through the urine of infected animals which is likely to catch on if wading through waterlogged roads.
According to Dr. S M Fayaz, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, Bengaluru, direct contact with polluted water can also cause wound infection, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, ENT infection, besides leptospirosis.
Like other doctors, he also noted a significant rise in the number of dengue and malaria patients along with the number of cases of acute dysentery.
Dr. Yezdani adds that there is an uptick in the number of Dengue patients but it hasn’t induced hypotension – drop in blood pressure, this time. “Nor have we seen a drop in a massive platelet count requiring transfusion but of course, we need to be vigilant. The standing water from rainfall and floods have allowed mosquitoes to thrive in large numbers,” she informs.
How to keep safe?
With climate change becoming a reality, erratic weather conditions will prevail. In such a scenario, it becomes incumbent upon people to exercise caution. Health professionals recommend washing hands with soap and water in case of any contact with floodwater.
While Dr. Aravinda emphasises on thorough cooking of fruits and vegetables, Dr. Yezdani stresses on boiling the water even if it’s from RO.
Clearing the stagnant water is extremely crucial to keep the infections at bay, say doctors. Dr. Das also advises on clearing the stagnant water, using mosquito repellents and mosquito nets “For flu like infection please wear your mask in crowded places and continue hand washing protocol. All adults are advised to take the annual flu vaccine,” he says.
Chlorination of water, aerosol sprays, indoor residual spraying and wearing clothes that cover the maximum surface of the body are some of the other steps that can be taken to ensure safety. After a brief dry spell, the rains are back in Bengaluru so is the time to be cautious.
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