Mahakumbh Attendees Suffer from Skin Infections, Stomach Ailments, and Respiratory Issues, Say Doctors
Doctors from different parts of India have reported a surge in fungal infections, skin allergies, diarrhea, pneumonia, and gastroenteritis among people who recently attended the Mahakumbh Mela. Many patients are experiencing symptoms ranging from mild skin rashes to severe respiratory infections, with some requiring extended recovery periods.
Doctors Witness Rise in Post-Mahakumbh Health Cases
Several healthcare professionals have highlighted the growing number of cases linked to the event. Dr. Sanjeev Gulati, a dermatologist from Sharda Medical College, Greater Noida, stated that he treated around 15-20 patients suffering from fungal infections in the feet and groin areas, skin allergies, and bacterial skin infections. He also mentioned a case where a patient had a severe ringworm infection along with a fungal condition affecting the toes (intertrigo).
“These infections require about four to six weeks of treatment and recovery,” he explained.
Similarly, Dr. Shiva Prasad Surineni from Hyderabad’s GVK Health Hub reported an influx of patients suffering from gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, and persistent fevers. He recalled a middle-aged patient who developed a severe respiratory infection after attending Mahakumbh. The individual experienced high fever, persistent coughing, and breathing difficulties, which eventually led to pneumonia and required hospitalization with intensive antibiotic treatment.
Surineni treated nearly a dozen patients experiencing health issues after visiting the festival and emphasized the challenges of maintaining hygiene in massive gatherings.
Concerns Over Water Contamination in the Ganga
A report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed water quality in multiple locations around Sangam in Prayagraj. The data, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), indicated that the river water where devotees performed ritual bathing contained excessive levels of fecal coliform bacteria, which originates from human and animal waste.
The CPCB’s water quality analysis revealed that on key bathing dates such as January 13 (Paush Purnima), January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami), the water was deemed unfit for bathing in some areas. The safe limit for fecal coliform is 2,500 MPN/100mL, but the contamination levels on January 14 spiked to 11,000 MPN/100mL—more than four times the limit. The highest contamination was recorded on January 20, with a shocking 49,000 MPN/100mL—19 times the safe limit.
Despite these findings, the Uttar Pradesh government has maintained that the water was safe for ritual bathing.
Sun Exposure and Skin Issues Also on the Rise
In addition to water-related health concerns, Dr. Aditi Wadhwa, a dermatologist from Noida, reported cases of severe sun allergies and skin conditions. She treated a patient with extensive photo dermatitis, where skin rashes appeared on the face, neck, and back due to excessive sun exposure.
“Many individuals developed tanning, sunburn, and acne after prolonged outdoor exposure during the Mahakumbh,” Wadhwa added.
Pneumonia, Gastrointestinal Issues Among Common Complaints
Doctors also noticed a rise in pneumonia and gastroenteritis cases. Dr. Shrey Srivastav from Gorakhpur treated over 15 patients suffering from pneumonia-like symptoms, persistent coughs, and loose stools.
“Many elderly attendees developed respiratory infections after bathing in the Ganga, especially in the early morning hours. Some also suffered from acute gastroenteritis after consuming food at the event,” he said.
Dr. Prasoon Sachen, a consultant physician from Kanpur, reported five patients in the past few days complaining about rashes and itching. He mentioned that these conditions generally take about a week to heal.
