With mercury levels on the rise, it is the newborns that are facing the brunt of the heat in north Karnataka.
Basavaraj Kattimani reports for The Times of India that as many as 80 babies have been already treated for dehydration in Ballari.
The temperature in Ballari has touched 40 degrees Celsius and is expected to rise to 41 degrees according to Skymetweather.
With this, Vijaynagar Institute of Medical Sciences saw as many as 80 babies up to the age of six months, being treated for dehydration. Dr Laxminarayan Reddy, HoD, Paediatrics at VIMS told TOI,
“The rising temperature is causing dehydration in newborns and we have already treated more than 80 of them. Nearly 12 babies suffering from dehydration were admitted to the hospital on Wednesday.”
As a precautionary measure, the hospital is reportedly not discharging women immediately after their delivery. They are being advised to stay at the hospital for a few more days to increase milk production.
“Fluid content in newborns falls with rising heat, leading to dehydration. We have suggested mothers to drink lots of water and buttermilk. If a baby cries continuously, he or she should be immediately taken to a hospital,“ Dr Reddy said.
The doctor confirmed that while several newborns were being treated for dehydration, no case of death due to dehydration has been reported so far.