A total of 175 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) where recorded across nine sentinel surveillance sites in the state, which monitor health issues related to air pollution, between November 1 and 7.
After the Bombay High Court’s intervention prompted by ‘Death by Breath’ series in The Indian Express, the state health department for the first time established 17 sentinel surveillance sites. Sentinel surveillance sites play a crucial role in monitoring and assessing the health impact of air pollution by tracking and analysing patterns of respiratory infections and related issues.
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Among the 17 locations examined, nine registered 175 ARIs between November 1 and 7. Pune stood out as a significant hotspot, documenting 69 cases of ARIs during this timeframe, with an average AQI of 243. The JJ Hospital in Mumbai, a designated sentinel surveillance site, closely followed with 27 cases and an average AQI of 163.
Vashi had 21 cases and an average AQI of 282, Ulhasnagar recorded 20 cases with an AQI of 236, Nashik reported 11 cases with an average AQI of 120, Badlapur had 20 cases with an average AQI of 236, Aurangabad reported only two cases with an average AQI of 149, Chandrapur had seven cases with an AQI of 199, Akola reported eight cases with an average AQI of 255, and Kolhapur reported 15 cases with an AQI of 198.
Interestingly, despite Jalgaon having the highest AQI at 280 during the same period, it reported zero cases of ARI, raising questions about the potential correlation between air quality and infection rates.
“For the first time, we are now documenting both ARI data and the corresponding AQI. This initiative provides valuable insights, enabling us to analyze and draw correlations between reported respiratory infection cases and documented air pollution levels,” said a senior health officer.
Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician at Bombay Hospital said, “I am seeing at least ten patients per day compared with last month complaining of sore throat, cough, cold, and breathing problems. The elderly and children are worst affected due to the poor air quality.”
Anticipating a surge in respiratory infections during Diwali celebrations with firecrackers, doctors recommend wearing masks. Acting as a barrier, masks filter out harmful particles, safeguarding respiratory health and minimizing the risk of adverse effects from airborne pollutants.
“High efficiency masks such as N95 and K95 are quite efficient at filtering out particulate matter and protecting the lungs from pollution. However, their pores tend to get clogged when the pollution levels are high, and they need to be changed frequently. It is also difficult to breathe through such masks, especially if one has a respiratory illness. Medical masks are effective at filtering out some of the larger particulate matter, and do protect to some extent, as do cloth masks, with the same caveats as above,” said Dr Lancelot Pinto, epidemiologist and pulmonologist at Hinduja Hospital.
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Expressing concern over the situation, a health official stated that the department is actively monitoring all surveillance sites. Hospitals have taken proactive measures by establishing dedicated wards to address the rising number of ARI cases. “Hospitals are increasing staffing levels to accommodate the expected influx of patients with respiratory issues exacerbated by air pollution from festive fireworks.
Specialized respiratory wards have been set up. Additionally, stockpiles of essential medications and respiratory aids are being replenished to ensure a timely response to the heightened demand,” said a senior health officer from Directorate of Health Services.
After Diwali, the state health department will establish a five-member State Task Force to combat air pollution, as directed by the Bombay High Court. Tasked with policy formulation, intervention, and health-related data maintenance, it aims to address the menace of air pollution in the state.
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