Saturday, 27 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The monsoon season increases the risk of typhoid, jaundice and many other bacterial infections among the children, the paediatrician said. The paediatricians here emphasised that with the start of the monsoon season, the likelihood of infection from the environment, water sources and other places rises. They highlighted the growing number of cases of bacterial and viral infections among children. To prevent such occurrences, the paediatrician advised that children, especially during the monsoon, should steer clear of street food.
Paediatrician at the Mahant Indiresh Hospital Dr Vishal Kaushik said that it has been noted that with the arrival of the monsoon season, there has been a rise in cases of acute diarrhoea, typhoid, hepatitis A (including Jaundice) and suspected cases of dengue among children. Kaushik further expressed concerns regarding the impact of the ongoing smart city construction leading to increased water-logging, subsequently resulting in a higher prevalence of waterborne diseases among children. Symptoms observed in children affected by these diseases include loose motions, fever and yellowing of the eyes in cases of Jaundice, he said.
He further emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene in children’s food habits to prevent such illnesses. He advised against the consumption of street foods due to the use of stale vegetables, contaminated water and lack of hygiene, which increase the risk of infections in children.
Further, another pediatrician at CMI Hospital Dr Apoorv Jain emphasised that during the monsoon season, the quality of water significantly impacts the occurrence of waterborne diseases among children. He observed a notable increase in cases of diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, hepatitis A and B, with two to three children visiting the clinic for such ailments regularly, compared to the usual frequency on normal days. The paediatrician pointed out that bacterial and viral infections tend to rise during the monsoon season. Considering this, parents are advised to ensure that children consume clean and filtered water for drinking and cooking. Additionally, it is suggested that children avoid consuming street foods to maintain good health during the monsoon period, he said
