As flood water recedes, fear of epidemics looms over Kerala


By Somrita Ghosh 

New Delhi, Aug 20 (IANS): As Kerala continues to battle the worst flood disaster, it faces yet another fear: epidemics.

Health experts say as the flood water recedes, the state may have to cope with waterborne and vectorborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria, hepatitis and other fevers.

"Most houses are submerged and the people are living in relief camps where it is very difficult to maintain hygiene. So, there are chances of getting infected by typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis A and E," said Ashok Grover, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali.

According to the directorate of health services (DHS), Kerala, the state has already recorded 846 cases of dengue fever, 191,945 cases of acute diarrhea disease (ADD), 518 cases of malaria, 34 cases of chikungunya and 225 cases of leptospirosis (infection from animals).

"Stagnant water is the source of mosquitoes and other insects. Diseases like malaria and dengue don't take much time to spread in relief camps," said Amitabh Parti, Additional Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute.

The health experts also warn that not just waterborne and vectorborne diseases, other diseases such as skin allergies, ENT problems and conjunctivitis may emerge, too.

Fever, chills, abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration and fatigue are some of the early symptoms for both waterborne and vectorborne diseases.

"Such illnesses can be controlled before turning into major epidemics by maintaining hygiene in the relief camps. No raw fruit or food should be consumed. It is better to eat only well-cooked food. However, maintaining hygienic conditions in such an atmosphere is difficult," Parti said.

"Washing hands is a must. Also consuming more fluids is recommended to resist falling prey to the epidemic-prone diseases. One must take ORS and other liquids such as fresh lime and coconut water," Grover said.

The doctors recommend medicines only after medical tests.

As a preventive step, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is also taking measures to combat communicable disease.

According to the ministry, it has already set up 3,757 medical camps in Kerala and shared health advisories on infectious diseases.

"While no outbreak of any communicable disease has been reported, health experts warn that once floodwater recedes, the environment will become conducive to epidemic diseases," said the ministry on Sunday.

The Health Ministry said it has also sent the first batch of 90 types of medicines as requested by the state.

(Somrita Ghosh can be contacted at somrita.g@ians.in)

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Mangalurian, Mangaluru

    Tue, Aug 21 2018

    The flight-related expenses alone of the Gujju-bhai for his foreign jaunts cost Rs 1,484 crores.

    The other expenses might be twice as this.

    However, for something where hundreds have died, at least a million have sought shelter, various epidemics are looming, the Gujju-bhai's Government initially announced just a 100 crore. Then, after the Gujju-bhai satisfied himself with an photographer-accompanied aerial survey, he announced another 500 crores.

    Where are our priorities!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • mohan, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 21 2018

    There are more than one crore keralits working in gulf.... if one person donates only 5000 rupees...it is surplus to the victims.....

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Mon, Aug 20 2018

    May the Lord give these people his strength to build their lives back to normal. absolutely heart breaking, to see them distressed. thoughts are with you Kerala.❤️❤️

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sahil, Mangaluru

    Mon, Aug 20 2018

    Hard to believe expert earlier after flood in kashmir and other part of India and other part of world never raised further fear.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Mon, Aug 20 2018

    Let's be grateful to the Almighty for stopping these incessant Rains ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse


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