- Temperature peaks at 36°C in the first two weeks of March this year, with weather expected to become hotter by the end of the month.
- Infectious and vector borne diseases are resurfacing with more cases being recorded.
- Doctors warn against a repeat of previous years trends of escalating dengue and viral diseases, emphasizes on enforcing measures timely to prevent outbreak.
Ahmedabad, March 29, 2018: This year’s spring is feeling hotter in Ahmedabad, as temperature in the city crossed 36°C in the first two weeks, with only 40% humidity. The day temperature recorded is 5 degrees above normal. The nights are still slightly cooler, with the temperatures hovering around 19°C and is expected to peak towards the end of the month.
While many factors might be contributing to the advent of early summers, the difference in temperatures between nighttime and day and the uncommon spring heat have already begun affecting health of people.
“People haven’t yet been expecting summers, whereas it has arrived. The approximate 20 degree difference between nighttime and daytime temperatures is significant and affecting people’s health. While people are venturing out during the hot day without any handy winter wear, by the time they return home, the weather becomes much cooler, chilly, and windy, making them vulnerable to cold and flu. This is the ideal time for micro-organisms to breed, and a host of viral and bacterial diseases are affecting people. Mosquitoes have made a re-entry in to daily lives. While at the peak of summers in May and June, their activity decreases, warmer temperatures in March means more people are at risk of vector borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. In recent years, we have seen national level outbreaks of these diseases and we should be ready to prevent a repeat of last years” said Dr. Wasim Sachora, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad.
The month of March in Ahmedabad sees mercury touching the 30 degree mark; however, the city is recording above normal temperatures regularly. While weather predictions do not foresee any major distraction in the weather pattern, apart from a few odd showers, the month is expected to grow hotter and would be peaking around 40°C by the end of March.
This has already triggered a spike in the cases of viral fever and other infections, with doctors reporting more patients than usual.
“The cases of viral fever, flu, and various other infections have already increased, with children being most vulnerable and affected. Getting infected by various strains of pathogens while playing with other kids in the open, they bring the disease home, affecting other siblings and the entire family. We have seen a hike in the number of viral fever patients recently. It is important that people do take important measures to prevent them for the disease by avoiding close contact with ill people, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, monitoring your child’s activities, and so on.”
Another problem that people face with approaching summers is not keeping them hydrated enough. People tend to form a habit of drinking less water during winters, which continues with the initial summer months. It is important that the bodies are kept hydrated by increasing our fluid intake, including juice, traditional lemonades, and water.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
