Out of 17 people who have died due to malaria in the city since July, at least six — all men — were alcoholics, say records of the health department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Alcoholics, be warned. Your love for the tipple might prove lethal in times of malaria. The risk of chronic drinkers succumbing to the current strain of virulent malaria is four times more than other patients, say the city’s physicians.
Out of 17 people who have died due to malaria in the city since July, at least six — all men — were alcoholics, say records of the health department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It’s a cause of concern since the disease shows no sign of receding in the city and more alcoholics may get affected in the coming days. Over 140 cases were admitted to the civic-run hospitals in the city on Wednesday, the highest in a single day so far.
“Alcoholism reduces the overall health and immunity of a person. Such a person would be easy prey,” said Dr Pradip Shah, physician, Fortis hospitals.
Liver dysfunction and blood clotting abnormalities are usual in alcoholics. “The blood clotting is deranged. This derangement is further enhanced by the current strain of malaria which causes a drastic reduction in platelets (cells useful for the clotting process) count,” he explained.
“If you are an alcoholic, then chances are the liver is already diseased. And since the current strain of malaria also attacks the liver, those with chronic liver disease such as alcoholics, would be worst affected,” said Dr Khusrav Bajan, intensivist, Hinduja Hospital.
According to doctors, the virulent strain of plasmodium vivax causes a rise in liver enzymes and a kind of jaundice known as haemolytic jaundice, where there is a rupture of RBC cells.
“Malaria blocks the micro vessels in the liver, causing obstructive jaundice. Obviously, the condition would be worse in an alcoholic with an already compromised liver,” pointed out Dr Hemant Gupta, consultant physician, Bombay Hospital.
“When you consume alcohol, not just your immunity, but also your blood sugar level goes down,” he said. “When such a person is affected by malaria, his sugar level drops further. The fact that anti-malaria treatment also brings down blood sugar makes the situation thrice as bad,” he added. Decrease in sugar levels can cause convulsions and can bring your respiratory system to a halt, he said.
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