Health dept cautions against swimming in and drinking stagnant water to beat extreme heat

Panaji: In addition to the danger of heat strokes during the extreme heat, the directorate of health services has also cautioned people against taking respite from the heat by swimming in ponds, springs and other water bodies with stagnant water, where they could risk contracting leptospirosis.

State epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar said the leptospira bacteria can enter one’s body through a cut in skin or through mucus membranes of eyes, nose and mouth.

He advised against swimming in such water bodies and consuming the water without boiling, as this water could be visited by rodents at night to drink water. Rodents pass the leptospira bacteria through their urine.

“If the water body doesn’t have flowing water, people should not enter such water bodies or drink this water. We also get cases of leptospirosis from farmers, especially those working in rice fields,” he said.

He also asked the public to be cautious about fever with rash, chicken pox and measles, which is seen in higher incidence during extreme summers.

He advised anyone who gets infected with chicken pox to immediately isolate themselves and get checked by a doctor. “Isolation is required till the last postule dries out completely, as until such time the disease can still be transmitted,” he said.

During this extreme hot weather, health centres have been instructed to educate people about staying hydrated and stay cautious of symptoms related to heat strokes. “One may not get a complete heat stroke but may faint, experience dizziness, headaches etc. It is important to stay hydrated,” he said.