Pune: Twenty-seven of Maharashtra‘s 36 districts have been witnessing intense heat spells since March 1 and have registered 219 heatstroke cases and eight deaths till May 18, state health department data show. Of these, two deaths each from Latur and Akola have been confirmed, while six others remain suspected.Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar reported the highest number of heatstroke cases at 36, followed by Nandurbar (24), Nashik (19) and Buldhana (17). Among the other affected districts are Amravati (15), Parbhani (14), Wardha (12), Yavatmal (11), Nanded (10) and Akola (8).Health experts are, however, of the view that the actual burden of heatstroke cases may be higher, as diagnosing heat-related illnesses has become “increasingly difficult”. As per the ministry of health and family welfare, the key sign of heatstroke is body temperature above 104°F (40°C) and consumed state of mind.Doctors say there has to be much emphasis on “proactive assessment” of patients’ heat exposure, hydration levels and medical history during heatwaves. Dr Mahendra Dadke, consultant in internal medicine at Pune’s Jupiter Hospital, said symptoms such as weakness, nausea, headache, confusion and body aches are often mistaken for viral fever, food poisoning or dehydration.Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director, health services, Maharashtra, said the first aid measures to be immediately initiated while dealing with a heatstroke case were to move the person to an open and well ventilated environment or a cool area, remove unnecessary clothing and reduce the temperature to less than 101°F. Besides using a fan over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water with a sponge or towel, the patient (not a newborn/baby) can be put under a shower or in a tub of cool water.
