Mumbai sees spike in dehydration cases for both humans and animals

Mumbai: More than 500 cases of ailments related to excessive heat have been reported from state and civic-run hospitals in the city in the last fortnight. According to doctors, most patients who were treated at outpatient departments (OPD) complained of stomach infections.

Apart from human beings, the heat has also impacted birds and animals. There are almost 600 cases of dehydration, which have been reported by the Parel-based Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) animal hospital. Of these, 414 cases belonged to birds, 177 dogs, and 53 cats.

Medical experts suggest carrying ORS and drinking water regularly, standing in the shade as far as possible and not skipping meals to help in preventing a sudden attack of dehydration. Dr. Avinash Supe, Dean of KEM hospital and director of major civic- run hospitals said, “Providentially, heat strokes are not there in Mumbai but we are getting a lot of cases of dehydration, headache and stomach upset cases triggered by the heat.”

As for the animals suffering from heat related  problems, Dr. J C Khanna, chief executive officer in charge, BSPCA, said, “ This year we might have maximum heat-related mortalities for birds and animals. Birds are not getting access to food, water or shelter,” added Colonel Khanna