Citing the erratic weather in Mumbai as the reason, physicians elaborate that due to above normal day temperatures, food is turning stale quicker than usual and causing gastroenteritis. They claim that a lot of Mumbaikars are in the habit of eating out and many of them frequent roadside stalls. Lack of refrigeration leads to food turning stale faster. As a result, a lot of people are ending up with gastro problems.
Unlike monsoon season when stomach bug is caused by bacterial gastroenteritis, this bug spreads through viral infection as the current post winter conditions are conducive for the viruses to grow. The cases of gastroenteritis are expected to come down with a drop in temperatures and increase in humidity levels that are bound to hinder the growth of the virus.
According to doctors, most patients are coming in with loose motions. About 20% of those suffering from gastroenteritis come at a later stage when they are already dehydrated which could cause kidney failure. The number of diarrhea cases would come down once the regular weather of Mumbai settles in.
Photograph by Nomad Tales