Gujarat has been reeling under severe heatwave conditions over the past several days, with an average of around 75 people falling ill every day due to heat-related illnesses across the state.
According to health department data, 1,901 heat-related illness cases were reported in April this year, while another 1,698 cases were recorded till May 18. During the same period last year, 2,047 cases were reported in April and 1,082 in May.
High fever emerged as the most common health complaint linked to the extreme heat, with 3,081 cases reported over the past 48 days.
Heatstroke cases have also risen sharply this year. Officials said 117 heatstroke cases were recorded during the current period, compared to just 30 cases during the same period last year — an increase of nearly 300 per cent.
Health authorities have also observed a notable increase in vomiting, diarrhoea and other dehydration-related illnesses due to rising temperatures. Compared to last year, stomach-related and dehydration cases in May have reportedly increased by nearly 60 per cent.
Medical emergencies comparison (April–May 2025 vs 2026)
| Medical emergency | Apr–May 2025 | Apr–May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Change in mental state | 1 | 8 |
| Dehydration | 120 | 50 |
| Heatstroke | 133 | 207 |
| High fever | 2,618 | 3,081 |
| Stomach pain | 54 | 58 |
| Headache | 5 | 8 |
| Fainting | 30 | 26 |
| Diarrhoea and vomiting | 168 | 161 |