Thursday, 25 July 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
With monsoon intensifying, several roads in Dehradun are being waterlogged, spawning health hazards in the form of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. Doctors based in Doon warn that water logging leading to mixing of rainwater and sewer water can contaminate drinking water and this may result in spread of numerous diseases. They further suggest that both individuals and authorities remain vigilant in order to mitigate these health risks.
The district surveillance officer of Dehradun, Dr C S Rawat said that it is a commonly observed phenomenon that the number of dengue cases soars during the monsoon season each year. “Water-logging is the principal contributing factor for its spread. Not just dengue, waterlogging triggers other vector-borne and waterborne diseases such as typhoid, jaundice, diarrhoea and hepatitis,” he added.
Queried on why such diseases surface during the monsoon, Rawat said that the risk of infections increases with the escalation of viruses in water. “Things are further aggravated as the accumulated water mixes with sewer lines and drinking water is contaminated. Symptoms like vomiting, loose motions, fever and stomach pain are commonly associated with these ailments,” he said and added that the waterlogging problem must be addressed on a priority to mitigate the monsoon-specific health hazards. He also urged people to drink boiled water as much as possible during this season.
While talking to The Pioneer on the same issue, the senior physician at CMI Hospital Anshika Jain said that waterlogging exacerbates the risk of stomach infections, typhoid and other water and vector-borne diseases. “Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and skin allergies may arise from contact with contaminated water during this season. To mitigate these risks, people should drink boiled water regularly. Besides, people should add potassium permanganate solution to bathwater to minimise skin allergies,” she added.
