Rain rain go away: With relief comes the risk of falling ill

Doctors suggest that people steer clear of street food during rainy weather.

LAHORE: Bathing in the rain brings back sweet childhood memories of respite after hot and humid weather, however, the risk of infections and diseases this brings with it can put a damper on an, otherwise, enjoyable experience. Doctors say that rainy weather can create the perfect breeding ground for parasites which can lead to dengue fever, cold, flu, stomach infections and cholera.

The provincial Meteorological Department has forecast 20 per cent more rain this year compared to the previous year, a spokesperson of the Health Department says. “This is all the more reason to stay cautious.”

Dr Salman Kazmi of Mayo Hospital says many people eat out or consume street food in rainy weather. This is a bad idea as it is highly likely that consuming food or beverages sold on the streets in such weather can lead to viral and bacterial infections, he says.

“Last year, the number of patients we received with parasitic and viral diseases during rainy season was an all-time high…we ran out of medicines to treat malaria and water-borne diseases.”

Kazmi said that the Health Department did not yet have a contingency plan for rain-related health emergencies.  Most medicines for food-and-water- borne diseases are available, he says, however, the number of injuries from electrocution and road accidents because of the rain also increases. “The department is yet to take measures to deal with such emergency situations.”

This is the time when public hospitals need to have extra supply of medicines in stock, the doctor says.

What to do?

Avoid consuming unfiltered water, Dr Kazmi says, and make sure that the food is cooked well. He also suggests avoiding junk food and to cover left-overs to prevent contamination through flies and other flying insects.

Steer clear of street food in such weather, he says. “Take hot showers, wear clean and dry clothes if you get soaked in the rain and keep your surroundings clean.”

Health Department’s advice

Do not allow rain water to pool in homes, a spokesperson of the Health Department says. “Stagnant water must be drained at all cost,”

The chief minister presided over a meeting last week to review the government’s arrangements prior to the rainy weather. “We have been directed to ensure that all hospitals have the medicines and facilities required to deal with any outbreaks that occur in rainy weather,” he says. The spokesperson says Adviser to CM Khawaja Salman Rafique has directed the department to issue a warning alert to all hospitals. Similarly, sufficient stocks of medicines to treat outbreaks corresponding with rainy weather are available at public hospitals, he says.

“We have launched a media campaign to inform people about rain-related diseases and have requested them to take all precautionary steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites inside houses.”

The spokesperson warns that chances of contracting health problems including colds, flu, malaria, gastroenteritis, typhoid, hepatitis A, diarrhoea, dengue fever and haemorrhagic fever could be high in the coming weeks because of a sudden drop in temperature. “The department is ready to deal with any emergency…but precaution is advised.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2016.