PANJIM: A mysterious fly infestation has hit Goa and doctors warn of gastroenteritis and typhoid. 

Even though the monsoons have hit Goa late, health care specialists are worried over the early entry of fly infestation which doctors suspect is due to the existence of exposed garbage and is already taking its toll.

Severe complaints of stomach ailments and fever have already gripped many places. Doctors fear that gastroenteritis and typhoid will be a major health problem this season.

Dr Sujoy Das, a renowned surgeon attached to A V Da Costa Hospital at Fatorda said, “We have cases of gastroenteritis reported almost every day.”

Dr  Das said that exposed garbage is the main cause of the problem.

It is pointed out that while these ailments are reported mostly  in cities, coastal areas will be worst hit.

In fact the fly infestation seems to be plaguing market areas and almost all public places, buses, eating joints and last but not the least households.

Most of the medical stores have also reported high sale of medicines for gastroenteritis while dispensation of medicines for  treating typhoid is also high.

Pharmacists say application of lemon grass will keep the flies away, while doctors say that using nets and covering food is the best way to stay safe.

Dr Pramod Desai a general physician from Margao said that health officials should impress on local bodies the need to keep their respective areas free from garbage. “This will help keep the flies away,” he said.

Herald Goa News