India is facing an outbreak of food poisoning and stomach flu cases. The nation saw more than 1,000 outbreaks of acute diarrheal disease as of December 22, 2024, which is the most since data tracking started in 2009, in addition to 300 cases of food poisoning. Foodborne diseases are mainly due to bacteria, viruses, and parasites in unhygienic water and food sources. The absence of strict food safety laws, poor waste management, and dirty environments also enhance the transmission of infections. Unsafe drinking water accounts for most acute diarrheal disease cases, so water purification and sanitation become key priorities.
Symptoms of food poisoning and stomach flu
Symptoms of food poisoning and stomach flu are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps in the stomach, dehydration, and fever. Severe cases result in hospitalization, particularly in children, old people, and immunocompromised individuals. Widespread use of antibiotics has also accelerated the development of drug-resistant bacteria, making it difficult to treat the infections.
Prevention of stomach issues
According to Dr. Amit Saraf, Director Internal Medicine, Jupiter Hospital Thane, “Prevention of such outbreaks demands united efforts. Individuals need to make personal hygiene a habit by frequent hand washing, consuming purified water, and taking proper precautions to cook and store food. Street food, as much as it is a crowd favorite, should be consumed carefully to avoid using contaminated ingredients. Right awareness related to food safety will also allow individuals to make good decisions.”
Food safety measures
Authorities must enforce stricter food safety regulations, improve sanitation infrastructure, and conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about preventive measures. Investing in healthcare and rapid disease surveillance can help detect and control outbreaks before they spiral out of control.
Clean drinking water, effective waste management, and nationwide hygiene awareness programs can help contain the prevalence of these preventable diseases to a great extent. Together, citizens and policymakers can build a better and healthier tomorrow for everyone.
Symptoms and at-risk populations
According to Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle, Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, “Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and fever. In severe cases, hospitalization may be needed, especially in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised. Interestingly, in 2010, children below the age of five years carried 40% of the foodborne disease burden in the Southeast Asia Region.”
Contributing factors
Contaminated sources of water: A large percentage of the population in India does not have access to safe drinking water, including both urban and rural areas, making them more susceptible to waterborne diseases.
Food contamination: Adulterated food handling and storage result in contamination.
Antibiotic resistance: Misuse and excessive use of antibiotics have resulted in drug-resistant bacteria, making treatment more complex.
Government-level precautions
Improving Sanitation Facilities: Safe waste disposal, proper septic disposal, and accessible public toilets that are clean in order to contain the spread of diseases.
Provision of clean potable water: Installation of water purification facilities, monitoring water quality, and supply of potable drinking water to every community.
Laws regarding food safety: Enhancing food safety measures through frequent inspections, licensing, and severe penalties for non-compliance.
Promotion of public awareness: initiating mass campaigns for hygiene awareness, food safety awareness, and risks of antibiotic abuse to avoid infection.
Precautions at the community level
Establishing Hygiene Awareness: Sanitation, hand washing, and safe food handling must be advocated by local institutions, schools, and community leaders.
Keeping Public Places Clean: Proper disposal of waste, regular cleaning of public places, and keeping food markets in line with hygiene standards.
Ensuring Access to Safe Water: Encouraging local water purification initiatives and filtration systems to provide safe drinking water.
Controlling food sellers: Community initiative to check the level of hygiene at street food stalls and local eateries, with reports of defaulters.
Individual-level precautions
Maintaining personal hygiene: Frequent washing of hands, especially before eating and after visiting the toilet, in order to reduce infection risks. Safe drinking water is achieved by boiling or water filtration to clean it.
Handling food safely: Proper food handling is safe and requires food to be cooked adequately, perishables refrigerated, and avoiding open or spoiled food. Hygienic food stall selection and refusal of raw or poorly stored food are two ways of being prudent while eating street food.
Antibiotic avoiding overuse: The antibiotics should be prescribed only for avoiding drug resistance and relieving the severity of infections.