Street Food Like Pani Puri Blamed For Rise In Bengaluru Cholera Cases

While a lack of water might seem to prevent waterborne illnesses, Bengaluru faces a surprising twist. The city grapples with scorching heat and a water crisis, yet cholera cases have spiked by 40-50%. This alarming uptick has sent shockwaves through both government and private hospitals, thrusting cholera into the spotlight as a pressing public health concern.

According to a recent report by The New Indian Express, private hospitals are witnessing a rapid escalation of cholera incidents, spiking from one or two cases per month to a staggering six to seven cases in less than two weeks.

What's fueling this sudden surge in Cholera cases?

Health experts point fingers at street food stalls, which may have begun to use compromised water to prepare their dishes, most likely to cope with Bengaluru's ongoing water crisis. This conclusion was drawn after many positive patients reported that they had recently dined in the city's small eateries.

"Consumption of street food such as pani puri, juice, and other items is the reason for such diseases," cautions Dr. Ramesh GH from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. "Contamination of drinking water is another significant factor."

Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera can be a dangerous disease that leads to violent bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, which can drain the body of its necessary electrolytes. If left unchecked, the loss of fluids can lead to severe dehydration, ultimately leading to death via kidney failure.

Amidst rising water prices and late water deliveries, Bengaluru may not be in the best position to handle a cholera epidemic at the moment. In order to protect the public, health experts have called for improved access to clean drinking water, sanitation enhancements, targeted vaccination drives in high-risk zones, and a renewed emphasis on hygiene practices.

How to protect yourself from Cholera?

To protect yourself from cholera, or if you suspect that your water might be contaminated, make sure to follow these steps:

• Use sealed bottled water for drinking, washing, brushing your teeth, or making food. If bottled water is unavailable, use water that has been boiled for at least a minute.
• Wash your hands often, including before and after preparing and eating your food, after using the toilet, or after taking care of someone sick.
• Use safely managed sanitation facilities and wash hands with soap and safe water afterward.
• Only eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked, and eat them while they are still hot. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled.
• Clean and disinfect any regularly used surfaces, such as kitchenware, food preparation areas, and toilets.