Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Summer Heat Triggers Viral Gastroenteritis Cases in Mysuru: Know How To Prevent Stomach Flu

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, currently reeling under intense summer heat, has been experiencing an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis over the past few weeks, according to media reports.

Due to the scorching heat, doctors in Mysuru flagged a 15-20 per cent rise in patients with gastrointestinal complaints, Deccan Herald reported. 

According to Dr A. K. Satheesh Rao, senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and hepatology, the early arrival of summer with higher intensity across Mysuru and surrounding regions is driving the cases. 

“The prolonged spells of heat and rising temperatures are impacting stomach and digestive health. Over the past few weeks, we have seen about a 15-20 per cent increase in patients with gastrointestinal complaints like frequent episodes of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, rapid dehydration, and diarrhea. Another major concern is a rise in dehydration,” he said.

“Although such seasonal spikes are expected, this year the intensity and frequency of symptoms are concerning, as a majority of the cases are being diagnosed as viral gastroenteritis. Just like any other viral infection, viral gastroenteritis is transmissible through contaminated food and water,” Dr. Rao added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of rising heat and humidity across Coastal Karnataka until April 12.

Districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are expected to experience hot weather with high atmospheric moisture. Such weather can lead to fatigue and discomfort, particularly among the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions. 

The IMD has advised people to stay well hydrated and take precautions while stepping outdoors. Residents are also urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.

Commonly referred to as the stomach flu, gastroenteritis is another illness that tends to spike in the fall.

Caused by viruses like norovirus, this condition leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While gastroenteritis is typically short-lived, it can be particularly uncomfortable and disruptive. 

<ul><li>Nausea and vomiting – More common in children than adults. </li><li>Watery diarrhea – May cause dehydration if not well taken care of. </li><li>Stomach cramps and pain – Usually intense and sudden. </li><li>Mild fever and body aches – May be confused with flu. </li><li>Sudden development of illness – Symptoms develop 24-48 hours after exposure and persist 1-3 days. </li></ul>

Gastroenteritis can affect children more intensely.  Dehydration is the most immediate threat posed by stomach flu, particularly among infants and young children. As children quickly lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting, parents must observe warning symptoms of severe dehydration, such as: 

<ul><li>Dry mouth and tongue</li><li>Decreased urine output (fewer wet diapers in an infant) </li><li>Not crying tears </li><li>Sunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head (fontanelle) </li><li>Irritability, drowsiness, or lethargy. </li></ul> If your child shows these signs, get them to the doctor right away.

Hydrating oneself with portable water, eating healthy food, and maintaining hand hygiene are important.

“Simple practices like proper water storage, drinking filtered or boiled and cooled water, opting for home-cooked and freshly prepared meals, and basic hand hygiene serve as powerful safeguards,” Dr Rao said. 

Further, one should also follow essential hygiene practices, including: 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

summer-heat-triggers-viral-gastroenteritis-cases-in-mysuru-know-how-to-prevent-stomach-flu

gastroenteritis

Stomach Flu

Viral Gastroenteritis

summer heat

vomiting

india meteorological department

cancer-hit-us-couple-opens-up-on-nightmare-experience

Cancer-Hit US Couple Opens Up On ‘Nightmare’ Experience

late-night-routine

The Midnight Routine: How India’s Late-Night Culture May Be Quietly Damaging the Liver

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, currently reeling under intense summer heat, has been experiencing an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis over the past few weeks, according to media reports.Due to the scorching heat, doctors in Mysuru flagged a 15-20 per cent rise in patients with gastrointestinal complaints, Deccan Herald reported. According to Dr A. K. Satheesh Rao, senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and hepatology, the early arrival of summer with higher intensity across Mysuru and surrounding regions is driving the cases. “The prolonged spells of heat and rising temperatures are impacting stomach and digestive health. Over the past few weeks, we have seen about a 15-20 per cent increase in patients with gastrointestinal complaints like frequent episodes of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, rapid dehydration, and diarrhea. Another major concern is a rise in dehydration,” he said.  “Although such seasonal spikes are expected, this year the intensity and frequency of symptoms are concerning, as a majority of the cases are being diagnosed as viral gastroenteritis. Just like any other viral infection, viral gastroenteritis is transmissible through contaminated food and water,” Dr. Rao added. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of rising heat and humidity across Coastal Karnataka until April 12. Districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are expected to experience hot weather with high atmospheric moisture. Such weather can lead to fatigue and discomfort, particularly among the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions. The IMD has advised people to stay well hydrated and take precautions while stepping outdoors. Residents are also urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.What Is Gastroenteritis?  Commonly referred to as the stomach flu, gastroenteritis is another illness that tends to spike in the fall.  Caused by viruses like norovirus, this condition leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While gastroenteritis is typically short-lived, it can be particularly uncomfortable and disruptive.  Common symptoms include: Nausea and vomiting – More common in children than adults. Watery diarrhea – May cause dehydration if not well taken care of. Stomach cramps and pain – Usually intense and sudden. Mild fever and body aches – May be confused with flu. Sudden development of illness – Symptoms develop 24-48 hours after exposure and persist 1-3 days.  Gastroenteritis can affect children more intensely.  Dehydration is the most immediate threat posed by stomach flu, particularly among infants and young children. As children quickly lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting, parents must observe warning symptoms of severe dehydration, such as: Dry mouth and tongueDecreased urine output (fewer wet diapers in an infant) Not crying tears Sunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head (fontanelle) Irritability, drowsiness, or lethargy.  If your child shows these signs, get them to the doctor right away.  How To Prevent Hydrating oneself with portable water, eating healthy food, and maintaining hand hygiene are important. “Simple practices like proper water storage, drinking filtered or boiled and cooled water, opting for home-cooked and freshly prepared meals, and basic hand hygiene serve as powerful safeguards,” Dr Rao said. Further, one should also follow essential hygiene practices, including:  1. Practice frequent handwashing2. Clean high-touch surfaces 3. Safe food handling 4. Keep sick children at home.

summer heat triggers viral gastroenteritis cases in mysuru: know how to prevent stomach flu

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Summer Heat Triggers Viral Gastroenteritis Cases in Mysuru: Know How To Prevent Stomach Flu

Mystery Illness In Rajasthan Suspected To Be Viral Encephalitis: 2 More Children Dead

Flea-borne Typhus Surging Across Los Angeles, Officials Urge For Precautions

Telangana Makes Cancer A Notifiable Disease: Why It’s Important?

Health Conditions A-Z

Cancer-Hit US Couple Opens Up On ‘Nightmare’ Experience

Summer Heat Triggers Viral Gastroenteritis Cases in Mysuru: Know How To Prevent Stomach Flu

The Midnight Routine: How India’s Late-Night Culture May Be Quietly Damaging the Liver