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Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
From mosquitoes to mold: Doctor lists 6 common monsoon illnesses and how to stay safe
While monsoon showers bring much-needed relief from the summer heat, they also come with an increased risk of infections and illnesses. The season sees a spike in mosquito-borne diseases, fungal infections, and food and water contamination. Understanding these common monsoon-related health issues and taking timely precautions is essential to stay safe and healthy. Also read | Doctors say 40% spike in waterborne illnesses during monsoon puts children and elderly at risk: Here's how to stay safe Dengue spikes during the monsoon season.(Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Tushar Tayal, consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram said, 'Monsoon season, as welcoming and timely as it is, has with it a variety of sneaky health dangers. Doctors routinely see a surge in infections this time around due to differing lifestyles and environmental factors.' 1. Mosquito-borne diseases spike Puddles, drains, and containers of stagnant water become breeding pools for mosquitoes. Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis see a steep spike. These diseases can result in high fever, body pain, and in extreme cases, failure of organs. 2. Fungal diseases due to mold and moisture High humidity leads to the development of mold on walls, clothes, shoes, and even food. Mold spores may induce skin allergy, respiratory infection, or sinusitis, particularly in immunocompromised persons. Symptoms of asthma and bronchitis are exacerbated with prolonged exposure. Skin allergies and infections are common because of the high moisture content in the air.(Shutterstock) 3. Leptospirosis due to infected water Stepping through floodwaters exposes cuts or bruises to contaminated urine water. The bacterial infection results in fever, muscle ache, and liver or kidney injury if left untreated. Also read | Monsoon health alert: Watch out for these common illnesses in children and expert tips to prevent them 4. Food and waterborne disease Contaminated water and poor food storage facilitate the transmission of typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis. Consumption of street food or raw vegetables washed in unclean water can be risky. 5. Respiratory infections The cold, damp conditions support the growth of viruses, resulting in cold, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. People with chronic respiratory illnesses must be more cautious during this period. 6. Skin infections Excessive sweating, soggy clothes, and dirty water may lead to fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and candidiasis. Avoid keeping damp clothes or shoes for prolonged hours. Precautionary measures to stay safe: 1. Use mosquito repellents and drain standing water. 2. Dry wet corners and clothes immediately to prevent mold. 3. Drink filtered or boiled water and consume freshly cooked food. 4. Do not wade through flood water; cover open sores. 5. Practice good hygiene and keep your environment clean. Also read | Doctor shares 5 common seasonal skin infections during monsoon and how to prevent them Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Is your rice toxic? Experts explain arsenic risks and how to stay safe
Rice is a kitchen staple in many homes, but it may not be as harmless as we think. A recent report has sparked worries, warning that rice sold in the United States contains dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic, which is a toxic metal linked to cancer, heart disease, and impaired brain development in children. The report, published by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a non-profit dedicated to reducing children's exposure to harmful chemicals, said that while the US and Italian rice are most toxic, Indian basmati and Thai jasmine rice are the safest choices. What is arsenic, and how does it get into our food? Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in soil, water, and air. Rice is particularly effective at absorbing it because it is often grown in flooded fields where arsenic dissolves easily and is taken up by the roots. The report titled What's in your family's rice? found that all 145 rice samples sold across US supermarkets contained inorganic arsenic—the most harmful form. Some samples had arsenic levels up to 28 times higher than other grains like quinoa or millet. What are the health risks of eating arsenic-contaminated rice? According to Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, frequent exposure to arsenic, even in small amounts, can lead to serious health issues. Over time, it can damage the skin, stomach, nerves, and liver, and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and lung or bladder cancer. Vulnerable groups at higher risk: There is no completely safe level of arsenic, especially inorganic arsenic, according to the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration. For drinking water, the limit is 10 parts per billion (ppb). In rice cereals for infants, the FDA allows a maximum of 100 ppb. Can cooking methods reduce arsenic in rice? How you cook your rice can make a difference. Dr Tayal and FDA guidelines recommend the following: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking Cook in excess water (6 parts water to 1 part rice), then drain the extra water This method can reduce arsenic content by up to 50 per cent. What are safer alternatives to rice? If you are concerned about arsenic, nutritionists suggest varying your grains by adding: Quinoa Barley Oats Farro Millet These grains are lower in arsenic and offer similar health benefits. Arsenic is present in many foods and even in drinking water, so complete avoidance is not possible. The key, experts say, is to minimise exposure by eating a varied diet, choosing low-arsenic rice like Indian basmati, and using safer cooking methods.
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Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Scientists find new 'brain-inflaming' bat viruses in China: Should we worry
Scientists in China have discovered 20 new viruses in bats, including two that are closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra, which are known to cause severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans. The findings, published in the journal PLOS Pathogens on Tuesday, raise concerns about potential spillover to humans and livestock through contamination from bat urine. What did scientists find in the Yunnan bat study? Researchers at the Yunnan Institute of Endemic Disease Control and Prevention analysed kidney samples from 142 bats across 10 species collected between 2017 and 2021. The study found 22 viruses—20 of which were previously unknown. Two of the most concerning were Yunnan bat henipavirus 1 and 2, closely related to Hendra and Nipah viruses, both of which are highly fatal to humans and animals. Are these viruses transmissible through bat urine? Yes, and this is what alarms scientists. The viruses were found in the kidneys—organs responsible for urine production—suggesting that urine may be a possible transmission route. Contaminated fruit or water sources near bat roosting sites could allow the viruses to infect humans or livestock. Did the study find anything else unusual? Yes. The scientists also identified a new protozoan parasite (Klossiella yunnanensis) and a previously unknown bacterial species (Flavobacterium yunnanensis) in significant quantities. This points to a more complex infectome in bats than previously assumed and highlights the importance of multi-organ pathogen surveillance. Could this discovery lead to another pandemic? There is no immediate threat, but virologists are concerned. Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, told Business Standard: 'This is a serious reminder that dangerous viruses are still hidden in nature. What's worrying is that this possible urine-based transmission route has not received enough attention.' While there is no proof of an outbreak, the possibility of zoonotic spillover cannot be ruled out. Why are spillovers becoming more frequent? Human encroachment into natural habitats and climate change are increasing contact between wildlife and people. Dr Tayal warns that 'the next pandemic could come from sources we haven't even fully understood yet.' He urges stronger virus tracing, investment in advanced research, and inclusion of wildlife monitoring in public health policy. Where were these bats found? The bats were roosting near fruit orchards close to rural villages—areas where human contact is highly likely. Associate Professor Vinod Balasubramaniam, Molecular Virologist at Monash University Malaysia, noted the significance of this proximity: 'The kidney discovery raises alarm about exposure through contaminated fruit or water.' What steps can prevent future outbreaks? Experts recommend: Expanding surveillance of bat organs—especially kidneys and urine pathways Improving local public health infrastructure Educating communities to wash or cover fruit and boil water Monitoring wildlife as part of national epidemic preparedness
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Business Standard
19-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Younger population seeing high rates of infection amid Covid surge: Experts
As India confronts a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, doctors suggest that the virus is disproportionately affecting younger age groups, with the 18-45 age bracket bearing the brunt of the infection. According to data available on the Union health ministry's Covid dashboard, India has 5,976 active cases from 29 states and Union Territories (UTs) as of June 19. Of these, Kerala has the highest caseload at 1,309, followed by Gujarat and Delhi at 1,046 and 632 cases, respectively. While the government does not give an age- or gender-wise breakup of cases, doctors are seeing a noticeable increase in Covid-19 cases among young adults, specifically those aged between 18 and 45. Tushar Tayal, consultant-internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said that on average, 10-12 patients per day were coming to him with flu-like symptoms and a small but steady percentage of them were testing positive for Covid-19. 'This may be indicative of a silent surge that is frequently overlooked because other viral infections overlap and (there's) an overall reduction in the rate of testing,' he added. Aakashneel Bhattacharya, consultant-infectious diseases at Paras Heath in Gurugram said that 80-85 per cent of Covid patients coming to him fell into the same 18-45 age bracket. Young adults previously considered to be at relatively low risk of severe illness are now showing heightened susceptibility, particularly those with a poor follow-up history of vaccination or waning immunity. Divya K S, an infectious disease specialist at Apollo Hospitals in Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru, said that waning immunity over the years, in addition to the emergence of immune-evading strains, made the younger population more vulnerable. Tayal said that in the 18-25 age group, most came with high-grade fever, throat pain, tiredness, body pain, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea or diarrhoea. Some also complained of a dry cough lasting for days and mild difficulty in breathing. In individuals over 30, symptoms persisted longer, and there were more instances of prolonged fatigue or post-viral cough, he added. Commenting on the reasons, Bhattacharya said younger people were at high risk of contracting the infection as they were the ones who mostly went out and mixed up with other people in the community. 'Till now, we are not seeing patients developing serious pneumonia or having low oxygen saturation. While a few patients may have had minor pneumonia, they are not requiring oxygen,' he added. Tayal, however, said that although most cases of Covid in younger patients were not serious, there should be caution against complacency. 'Reinfections are being observed even in persons who have been vaccinated or infected before, pointing to changing viral strains,' he added. Another reason was that many younger patients were delaying getting tested, assuming the infection to be a seasonal flu or viral fever, he further said. Nidhin Mohan, consultant-internal medicine, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, said that there was a spike among individuals who had recently travelled, especially for work or weddings, without taking adequate precautions. 'Infectious strains that spread faster within a group that is in close contact with each other can result in more case numbers among younger populations, who tend to be at the centre of workplace and social interactions,' said Deepesh G Aggarwal, consultant physician and head of department for critical care medicine at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
1-2 patients coming to hospital daily with heatstroke symptoms, say doctors as temperatures soar in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: As Delhi-NCR reels under a heatwave, hospitals are reporting an increase in the number of heatstroke patients being admitted, with a few of them ending up in ICUs and on ventilation support. According to doctors, while most patients are discharged after a few hours of treatment, some require hospitalisation for 2 to 3 days. "Some extreme cases require intensive care," said Munesh, a nurse at a private hospital in Sector 56. "Over the past week, we have seen 1 or 2 patients daily with heat-related illnesses. They come in with symptoms such as dehydration, sweating, anxiety, nausea, high pulse rate, and low-grade fever. Thankfully, most recover well with simple cooling measures and symptomatic treatment. But it's important to remember that if not addressed early, these symptoms can escalate into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency," said Dr Tushar Tayal of CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon. Heatstroke, characterised by body temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius, can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness, leading to multiple organ failure in extreme cases. "My brother had cramps and severe headaches for a few days after which we brought him to the hospital. It was declared that he had a heatstroke," said Rashmi Singh, a resident of South City-1. Somvir Kumar, a Sector 10 resident, said he got a heatstroke due to intensive travel and outdoor exposure. "I work at a shop at Hero Honda Chowk and have been travelling to Delhi and UP every day to get materials for it. It was due to this that I got a heatstroke. I had nausea and fever, and when my condition did not improve, I went to the hospital. I was admitted for a day and was discharged on Thursday," he said. Meanwhile, as heatwave is expected to continue in the region, authorities have urged the public to take precautions to prevent heatstrokes. Outdoor exposure in the heat is to be avoided, medical experts have warned, adding that vulnerable populations such as the children and elderly, are more at risk and should take special care. "The relentless heat and 'loo', which dries out the skin, are making people ill. We are seeing a surge in patients suffering from heatstrokes and dehydration, and outdoor workers and labourers are at a higher risk," said Dr Arunesh Kumar, senior consultant, respiratory medicine, Paras Health, Gurgaon. To stay safe, people are advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours, wear light, loose-fitting clothes, use fans and coolers, drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages. Dr Satish Koul, senior director and unit head - internal medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, stated, "People must stay hydrated, avoid exposure to sun, wear light and breathable clothes, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms like high fever, confusion, dizziness, or rapid heart rate."
