21 heatstroke deaths since March
State health officials warn of a rise in cases in the coming months; urge people to stay hydrated, wear light cotton and loose clothing, and consume high protein diet
Maharashtra has reported 21 heatstroke deaths in various districts since March this year; this is the highest in the past five years, said state surveillance officer Dr Pradip Awate. In 2016, 19 deaths were reported due to heatstroke.
Of the total deaths in Maharashtra, seven were reported from Nagpur, followed by Jalgaon (four), Akola (three), Jalna (two), Amravati, Aurangabad, Hingoli, Osmanabad and Parbhani (one each).
Moreover, 338 heatstroke cases have been reported in the last two months, of which the highest number was reported from Nagpur (262), followed by Akola (29), Pune (21), Nashik (14), Aurangabad (10), and Latur and Kolhapur (one each).
State health officials said they are expecting a rise in cases in the coming months and alerts and advisories have already been sent out. Officials said they have also urged people to take precautions to prevent adverse effects of heatwave by staying hydrated, wearing light cotton and loose clothing, and consuming high protein food.
A yellow and orange alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the state health department for various parts across the state, including Vidarbha and Madhya Maharashtra.
Heatstroke is a form of hyperthermia, with abnormally elevated body temperature accompanied with physical symptoms, including changes in the functioning of the nervous system. Unlike heat cramps and exhaustion, heatstroke is a medical emergency that can prove fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
Health experts suggest people should avoid going out in the afternoon and look out for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps and fatigue. These could lead to heatstroke, exhaustion, severe dehydration and acute cerebrovascular accidents (stroke).
Chief intensivist at Fortis Hospital, Dr Sandeep Patil said a human body sweats to reduce core temperature in a normal situation. Heatstroke occurs when a person’s body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher.
He said while heat exhaustion is preventable and rarely life-threatening, untreated heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. “It worsens when treatment is delayed, increasing the risk of serious complications or death. It’s important to seek immediate medical care, especially if the situation does not improve within an hour,” he said.
A specialist in emergency medicine at PD Hinduja Hospital & Research Centre, Dr Kishore Sathe said that not drinking enough water each day increases the risk of heatstroke. In humid climates, dehydration can occur in any age group if water intake is not optimal. This year, typically since March, we have been seeing three to four patients everyday with kidney stones. There is a 20-30 per cent rise in such patients compared to last year.”