Mumbai: 'Gastro case expected to surge by 30% to 40% in summer', reveals health officials

There has been a 35% to 40% rise in the number of people seeking treatment for gastroenteritis in outpatient departments (OPDs) over the past two weeks, according to health officials.There has also been a spurt in urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in children, they said.

The main reasons for the rise in gastroenteritis and UTI cases are contaminated water and excessive loss of water, respectively, the officials said.

Gastroenteritis is a form of stomach flu that typically spreads from coming in contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water. It leads to diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Pathogens such as salmonella, staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are among the most common causes of food poisoning. Water and food contamination in hot weather is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis case.

Senior paediatrician said that the fluctuations in temperature can create favourable conditions for the growth and proliferation of bacteria and other pathogens, particularly in water and food sources. 

During such transitions, the increased microbial activity can contribute to a rise in infection rates, as observed with the surge in gastro cases.