Holy Dip at Mahakumbh ??

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Recently the?CPCB?report, presented to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), claimed that?the amount of faecal coliform bacteria in Ganga water has increased in Prayagraj during the?Maha Kumbh, due to which the pollution level of the river has gone up, much beyond the standard levels. With fecal coliform levels soaring over 1000 times above normal and 55% industrial toxic waste contaminating the waters, the holy dip may pose serious health risks.

Faecal coliform bacteria are?microorganisms typically found in the excreta of animals and humans

Now that almost half of India has already taken holy bath in the river Ganges, one needs to understand the risk and precaution after taking bath in a water that is claimed to be infected with faecal coliform bacteria.

Bathing in a river contaminated with faecal coliform bacteria can lead to various health issues due to the presence of harmful microorganisms.

Significantly increased risks related to

Gastrointestinal infections (OR = 3.60, 95% CI 1.28–10.13)

Respiratory infections (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.00–3.67)

Eye infections (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.27–4.63)

Eae infections (OR = 17.21, 95% CI 2.42–122.34)

?Potential after-effects include:

?1. Gastrointestinal Issues

• Diarrhea (including traveler’s diarrhea)
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea

2. Skin and Eye Infections

• Rashes (dermatitis)
• Itchy or irritated skin
• Eye infections (conjunctivitis, red eyes)

3. Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections

• Ear infections (otitis externa or “swimmer’s ear”)
• Sore throat
• Sinus infections

4. Respiratory Problems

• Coughing or wheezing (if bacteria enter airways)
• Pneumonia (in severe cases, especially if water is inhaled)

5. More Severe Infections (in rare cases)

• Hepatitis A (if viruses are present)
• Typhoid fever
• Dysentery (bloody diarrhea caused by Shigella or other bacteria)
• Leptospirosis (if contaminated by animal urine as well)

Who is Most at Risk?

• Children
• Elderly individuals
• People with weakened immune systems
• Those with open cuts or wounds

What to Do If Exposed?

• Shower immediately with clean water
• Avoid swallowing water while swimming or bathing
• Disinfect any cuts or wounds exposed to the water
• Seek medical attention if symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea persist

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Guideline

If someone bathes in a river contaminated with faecal coliform bacteria, symptoms of infection can appear within a few hours to several days, depending on the type of pathogen they were exposed to. Here’s a general timeline:

1. Immediate to a Few Hours After Exposure

• Skin irritation or rash
• Eye redness or itchiness
• Ear discomfort or itching

2. 12 to 72 Hours (1–3 Days) After Exposure

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps)
• Fever or chills (if bacteria have caused an infection)
• Sore throat or cough (if water was inhaled)
• Sinus or ear pain (indicating infection)

3. 3 to 7 Days After Exposure

• More severe infections (e.g., typhoid, hepatitis A, leptospirosis)
• Persistent diarrhea with dehydration
• Blood in stool (dysentery)

When to See a Doctor?

• Severe diarrhea (lasting more than 2 days or with blood)
• High fever (above 101°F/38.3°C)
• Persistent vomiting or dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, low urine output)
• Skin infections worsening (redness, swelling, pus)

Advice on first-aid measures or ways to prevent infection?

If you have bathed in a river contaminated with faecal coliform bacteria, taking immediate precautions can help prevent infection. Here are the key steps:

1. Wash Yourself Immediately

• Shower with clean, soapy water as soon as possible.
• Rinse eyes, ears, and mouth with clean water.
• Use an antiseptic soap if available.

2. Disinfect Any Wounds or Cuts

• Clean any open cuts or wounds with soap and water.
• Apply an antiseptic (e.g., iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol).
• Cover the wound with a clean bandage to prevent infection.

3. Avoid Swallowing Contaminated Water

• If you swallowed water while swimming, drink plenty of clean water to help flush out bacteria.
• Avoid eating until you wash your hands thoroughly.

4. Monitor for Symptoms (for the next 1–7 days)

• Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps.
• Skin infections: Redness, rashes, or itching.
• Ear, eye, or throat infections: Pain, discharge, or irritation.
• Fever or chills (signs of infection).

5. Seek Medical Help If Needed

• Severe diarrhea (lasting more than 48 hours or with blood).
• High fever (above 101°F/38.3°C).
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, reduced urination).
• Worsening skin infections (swelling, pus, increased pain).

6. Strengthen Your Immune System

• Drink plenty of clean water.
• Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and probiotics.
• Get enough rest and sleep.

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