The number of stomach flu cases has significantly gone up in the city in the past month, due to the rainy season. Fever Hospital received around 15 cases on Wednesday, averaging 10-11 cases a day this week. In July, the cases increased to 20 daily in the first two weeks. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly known as stomach flu.
It is characterised by different digestive symptoms caused by infection with viruses, bacteria or parasites. “Norovirus and rotavirus are the most common viral causes. Salmonella, E. coli and campylobacter are frequent bacterial culprits,” said Prof. Narahari Bapanpally, head of the paediatrics department at Nagarkurnool Medical College. “The usual symptoms include vomiting, fever, loose motions, and in some cases blood in the stool and dehydration,” he added.