Surge in gastroenteritis cases reported in Kashmir hospitals

Srinagar, July 24: A significant increase in gastroenteritis cases has been reported in hospital outpatient departments (OPDs) across the valley. The health experts are attributing the surge to various factors including contaminated water and food. The increase in the cases has alarmed the medical community.
Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr Muzaffar Jan said Kashmir witnesses gastroenteritis cases every year in summer months.
“The major reason for gastroenteritis cases is contaminated food and lack of personal hygiene,” he said, suggesting people to take boiled water and ensure proper sanitation.
GMC Srinagar receives numerous severe gastroenteritis cases every day, reported from various parts of Kashmir. These cases tend to peak during the summer months when the incidence of waterborne and food-borne infections increase. The healthcare providers work diligently to manage the surge and provide timely treatment to affected patients.
Public health officials emphasize the importance of maintaining hygiene, drinking clean water, and avoiding potentially contaminated food to mitigate the spread of this condition.
Dr Yasir Wani, Consultant Paediatrician Department of Health said that hospitals are seeing a surge in acute gastroenteritis cases these days in the OPDS and wards saying it is mostly viral and sometimes bacterial.
He advised parents to avoid giving street food to children in these hot and humid conditions since the street food has a high chance to turn stale in such conditions.
“Parents should ensure regular hand washing of children. Proper washing of fruits before consumption should be done. People should use boiled water for drinking,” Dr Yasir said.
The Consultant Pediatrician said people should avoid consuming raw vegetables and salads unless they are sure they have been washed properly.
“Most of these cases need ORS (unless the child is vomiting or has moderate to severe dehydration for which he/she needs admission in hospital). Probiotics are very helpful in acute gastroenteritis and also Zinc which helps a lot in quick recovery. Avoid using antibiotics unless your doctor recommends it (in case of bacterial infections),” he said.
Gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically results in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Health officials are advising the public to maintain proper hygiene, consume clean water, and avoid street food to prevent the spread.
Hospitals are enhancing their readiness to manage the influx, ensuring adequate medical supplies and staff availability to treat the growing number of affected patients.
The department has also directed all Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and Block Medical Officers of Kashmir division to undertake extensive awareness campaigns in their respective areas.
On Tuesday, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent further spread of the disease. The SOPs suggest to avoid street and junk foods adding that people should remain hydrated and avoid direct contact with sunlight during peak hours in day.
On July 20 Trail village of Block Sallar in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district reported cases of gastroenteritis after which the health department worked hard to control the situation.
Dr Mir Mushtaq, Spokesperson DHSK said that 89 cases of mild to moderate gastroenteritis cases were reported at the Sallar Block. As per officials water samples were taken from the area for investigation however their reports are awaited.