Guarding Against Waterborne Diseases in Mumbai’s Summer

Monsoon’s Around the Corner: Guarding Against Waterborne Diseases in Mumbai’s Summer

Mumbaikar, brace yourself! The monsoons are about to sweep in, bringing much-needed relief from the heat-and, unfortunately, a not-so-welcome party of waterborne diseases.

If you thought only your umbrella and raincoat needed prepping, think again. Your gut, liver, and immune system need a monsoon makeover too!

The Usual Suspects: Waterborne Culprits

Every year, Mumbai sees a spike in illnesses like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, dysentery, and gastroenteritis as soon as the rains hit.

These diseases love contaminated water and food, so if your pani puri vendor is serving more than just tangy water, beware!

Flooding, a Mumbai monsoon staple, turns streets into swimming pools and your drinking water into a microbial cocktail.

Add in the city’s love for street food and you have a recipe for trouble.

Why the Surge?

Heavy rains cause sewage overflows and water stagnation, contaminating water supplies. Stagnant water also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so you get a bonus round of dengue and malaria. But let’s focus on waterborne nasties for now.

Practical Prevention: Your Monsoon Survival Kit

1. Drink Smart, Drink Safe

Only drink boiled, filtered, or packaged water. If in doubt, boil it out!

Clean water containers daily and keep them covered. Replace stagnant water older than 5 days that are in open containers or flowerpots.

2. Eat Like a Pro (Not a Daredevil)

Say no to roadside food and cut fruits.

Monsoon is not the season for culinary adventures.

Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly in salt water ideally. A quick rinse won’t cut it-give them a spa day!

Eat freshly cooked food. Stale or unrefrigerated food is an open invitation to germs.

3. Hand Hygiene is Heroic

Wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

Teach kids the “20-second scrub” song. Bonus: it’s catchier than most Bollywood numbers!

4. Keep Surroundings Clean

Remove stagnant water from around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.

Ensure water tanks and pipes are regularly cleaned and maintained.

Use antiseptic in bath water if it looks suspicious. Your skin will thank you.

5. Recognize and React

Watch for symptoms: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, or stomach pain. Don’t wait, see a doctor early.

Rest, hydrate, and don’t self-medicate. Monsoon is not the time for DIY medicine.

6. Boost Your Immunity

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics.

Turmeric milk isn’t just grandma’s tale-it actually helps!

The Take-Home Message

Mumbai’s monsoon is beautiful-but don’t let waterborne diseases rain on your parade. With a little caution, a dash of hygiene, and a sprinkle of common sense, you can enjoy the season safely. Remember: when in doubt, boil it, wash it, or skip it!

Stay dry, stay safe, and may your only monsoon drama be the one on TV!

Dr. S P Mathew, Ashok One Hospital