Downpour break comes with disease rider

'Null period' has sent humidity levels soaring and set the stage for the outbreak of vector and water-borne diseases

The city has witnessed little rainfall in the past few days and is unlikely to get lashed by heavy downpour for a few more days, say weathermen.

But the happy break from incessant rains comes with a rider as the 'null period' has sent humidity levels soaring and set the stage for the outbreak of vector and water-borne diseases.



The maximum temperature recorded in Colaba and Santa Cruz was 32.8C and 32.3C, respectively, yesterday.
Humidity levels were also recorded above normal.
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"Monsoon is not expected on a regular basis during null periods when downpour stops and humidity levels rise.
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There might be no rainfall for the next one or two days, but we are expecting that the depression in the eastern parts of the country will gradually move towards the western side," said V K Rajeev, director of Indian Meteorological Department, western region.

He added, "The winds blowing over the city are south-westerlies, which bring in a lot of moisture, thereby increasing humidity levels."

Higher humidity levels not only make the weather sultry, they also cause outbreak of several respiratory and vector borne diseases.

Dr Ashok Hatolkar, medical superintendent of Nanavati Hospital, said, "Along with rise in humidity levels chances of diseases also soar.

Complaints of skin infections as well as asthma and flu also increase during this time."u00a0Dr Shyam Sunder of Umrao Hospital agreed.

"Children should avoid getting drenched and the elderly should not venture out much.

Every individual should take precautions to avoid diseases such as upper respiratory, vector and water borne diseases, which spread faster during rains," he said.

He added that the monsoons brough with them not only respiratory ailments such as throat infection, pneumonia and asthma, but alsou00a0 deadly ones like dengue and malaria.

By consuming contaminated water or street food, one might also get afflicted with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroenteritis, cholera and typhoid.

DOs and Don'ts
-Don't let children get drenched
- The elderly should avoid going out during downpours
- Don't eat street food
- Consume boiled water
- Make sure that there is no water stagnation near your home