Soaring temperature raises risks of diarrhoea
Source: The Sangai Express / Yaiphaba Meitei Kharibam

Imphal, April 26 2026: Scorching heat and rising temperature in summer brings many seasonal diseases.

And, among the many health issues is the acute diarrhoeal disease which affects people, especially children.

Acute diarrhoeal disease is the sudden onset of three or more loose/watery stools per day.

It usually lasts less than 14 days.

It is caused by viruses, especially in children, bacteria (Salmonella, E.coli), and parasites.

While poor sanitation, improper hygiene and consumption of contaminated food and water are the predominant causes, rising temperature significantly increases the risk of the disease, said Dr Snasam Manimukta, Consultant, Paediatrician, Mother's Care Children Hospital and Research Centre.

Soaring temperature raises risks of diarrhoea

The risk of such diseases has increased over the years, and it may be attributed to climate change in one way, Dr Manimukta said.

The number of warm and hot months has increased due to climate change, and summer brings heat which spoils food easily.

Children consuming such contaminated or spoiled food may contract different diseases including the acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD), Dr Manimukta said.

Symptoms and Treatment

Acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) in children is a health issue and major concern for parents and guardians.

Understanding the disease, its symptoms and preventive and remedial measures is crucial for treating it, he said.

Dehydration is a major concern in such diseases.

Children should be given fluid to stay rehydrated.

According to the doctor, the symptoms include - frequent watery stool, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain

Duration: Usually lasts a few days
Management: Rehydration is critical.

Maintain hydration with ORS, continue feeding, and seek medical care if dehydration occurs (for example, dry mouth, dizziness)
Prevention: Handwashing with soap, safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and rotavirus vaccination.

Types: Acute watery (hours/days), acute bloody (dysentery), and persistent (14+ days).

If any of the symptoms are encountered, parents and guardians are advised to seek medical advice, Dr Manimukta said.

Cases of ADD

Citing cases encountered at the hospital, he said, the prevalence of the disease is increasing every year.

In 2024, as many as 466 children with acute diarrhoeal disease were admitted at the Mother's Care Children Hospital and Research Centre, the doctor said.

In 2025, the hospital admitted 468 children with the disease.

This year (2026 January 1 to first week of April) the hospital has so far admitted and treated 148 cases of acute diarrhoeal disease.

These figures do not include cases which were not admitted to the hospital, he added.

Break-up of the cases by month

Total cases (hospital admission) recorded in the hospital in 2024 was 466 .

The highest number of cases (57) were recorded in December.

The number of cases recorded in 2024 January was 33, February-43 cases, March-50, April-54, May 44, June-37, July-33, August 31, September 24, October-20, November 40 & December-57 .

Total cases (hospital admission) recorded in 2024 was 468 .

The highest number of cases (72) were recorded in February.

The number of cases recorded in 2025 January was 39, February -72 cases, March-62, April-40, May-31, June-40, July-32, August-33, September-37, October-27, November-24 & December-31 .

Total number of cases recorded in 2026 (upto April 1st week) is 148 .

The number of cases recorded in January was 58, February-40, March 63 and April-22 .

Judging by the trend this year, the number of cases is expected to rise, Dr Manimukta said, advising parents and guardians to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

More data

According to data published in the State Action Plan of the Directorate of Health Services, National Health Mission and National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health, the State recorded a total of 5275 cases of acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) and one (1) death in 2022.Significantly, the same data revealed that in 2021, the State recorded 576 cases of deaths, the entirety of the cases detected that year.

The State Action Plan identifies Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Tamenglong and Kangpokpi as priority districts.

Impact of climate change

Acute diarrheal disease (ADD) is generally more prevalent during the summer and rainy (monsoon) seasons.

Experts said the incidence of the disease often surges during rainy seasons and after heavy rainfall events, particularly following dry periods, due to contamination of water sources.

Heavy rain causes pathogen-packed surface runoff, overflow of sewage, and contamination of drinking water.

Manipur, which has experienced extended hot and warm seasons and is exposed to frequent episodes of flooding each year face high risk of prevalence of ADD, experts said.

The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change's data from 1970 to 2024 shows an increasing trend in the maximum temperature and amount of rainfall.

Data published in the State Action Plan on Climate shows an increase of 1.7 degree C in the minimum temperature and an increase of 1.5 degree C in the maximum temperature in the last 100 years.

The amount of rainfall has also increased in the last 60 years from 956.5 mm to 2268.9 mm .

By 2030, Manipur is projected to experience a rise in temperature by 1.7 degree C and a 15-19 % increase in rainfall.

(This article is -written under the 6th Media Fellowship of the State Directorate ofEnvironment and Climate Change) .