Commonwealth Games in 'loose motion'

City doctors expect 40 per cent of foreign tourists during CWG will get Traveller's Diarrhoea

Are you getting that funny feeling in your stomach viewing all the drama and chaos around the Games with only about 50 days to go? Well it's probably just anxiety. Doctors in the city are more concerned about the tourists who would be visiting Delhi during the mega sporting event. Medical experts say, around 40 per cent of the people coming to India from various countries will suffer from Traveller's Diarrhoea, which in terms of number will amount to 40,000 to 60,000 patients.

"Traveller's Diarrhoea will be the most common illness during the Commonwealth Games. We anticipate that 40% to 60% of travellers may develop symptoms," said Dr KK Aggarwal, Physician, Moolchand hospital.
"Contaminated food and water are the main causes of the problem. The stress while travelling may exacerbate the diarrhoea symptoms", Aggarwal added.u00a0

But some doctors are all set to take the challenge head on.u00a0 "One of the major causes of the Traveller's Diarrhoea is dehydration. So, as soon as the patient starts experiencing problems, we will begin hydrating them", said Amit Banerjee, Medical Superintendent, Lok Nayak Hospital.

According to doctors, the illness may persist for 1 to 5 days. In 10% cases, it may last more than a week and in 2%, more than a month. Only 20% of the patients may require rest otherwise most will be able to carry on with a normal working life.

The treatment is simple for those who do not wish to visit hospitals.
"One may take coconut water, fruit juices, alternative salt and sugar drinks or ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)," added Aggarwal.

The government is confident about its planning and feels that patients would receive treatment at the earliest. "Keeping in mind the international protocol, we have all types of medicines available at nearby medical centres. Ambulances will be available near all stadiums", said Delhi Health Minister Dr Kiran Walia