According to data from the state health department, Maharashtra has documented 41 cases of heatstroke since March 1, with three cases originating from Pune. The majority, comprising 28 cases, occurred within the last two weeks, coinciding with the rise in daytime temperatures.
Among the districts in Maharashtra, highest five heatstroke cases have been recorded in Buldhana, followed by Amravati (4) and Kolhapur (4). Nashik, Pune and Thane districts have reported three cases each so far, the department data showed.
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Rise in Heatstroke Cases
Confirming the rise in heatstroke cases, Dr Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director, health services (Pune division), who is also the in-charge of the state health services, said, “More than half the districts in the state are now recording over 40°C in maximum temperature. We urge people to avoid venturing out during the peak heat hours and ensure adequate hydration. District hospitals have been told to stock up on enough medicines and IV fluids to treat heatstroke patients.”
Between March 1 and July 31 last year, the state had recorded 3,191 suspected heatstroke cases and 22 confirmed deaths owing to heatstroke, the data showed. “Most of these cases can be attributed to the mass gathering in Kharghar for the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony in April last year,” a health official said.
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Health Experts Warn of Early Onset of Heat-Related Illnesses
Dr Danish Memon, head of the department, internal medicine at Noble Hospital, said, “We are recording more heat-related cases during this time of the year because of early onset of summer [as early as Feb-end]. Otherwise, such increase in cases is usually recorded in mid-April or May.”
He said most of the patients approaching the hospital with complaints of high fever, extreme fatigue, body pain and nausea were mostly in the age group of 30-45. “They have a history of travel for work on two-wheelers and are exposed to the sun for longer hours. The temperature difference is the major culprit in such cases because the human body cannot tolerate drastic changes in the temperature.”
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Heatstroke Prevention and Management
The treatment is such cases is symptomatic. “We advise people stay hydrated and not remain hungry for longer hours,” Dr Memon said.
In February, the state health department released guidance advising against public gatherings during the hottest hours of the day, suggesting instead that such events be rescheduled for either the morning or late evening. If feasible, organizers were also encouraged to consider avoiding scheduling such programs altogether.
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