Week of June 29- Gastroenteritis, Summer Colds

• For the start of summer, there seems to be a summer cold starting to go around in Palm Springs. Dr. Clifton Cole says it is relatively mild so far. Fluids and rest, along with over the counter medications may be helpful. He's also seeing more cases of dehydration, so he advises staying cool and drinking lots of water, especially when you have a cold.

• In Rancho Mirage, Dr. Arturo Quintanilla is seeing many infants, toddlers, and children with a cough. Most of them are viral in origin, but because of the statewide outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough, Dr. Quintanilla says parents should bring their child in to see the pediatrician for a proper evaluation, and treatment, if it's needed.

• Moving on to La Quinta, Dr. Erica Ruiz reports gastroenteritis is coming back around again. This includes 24 to 36 hours of vomiting and nausea. When the diarrhea moves in, that's usually a sign the virus is on its way out. Staying hydrated is the most important part of caring for this one. A viral upper respiratory illness with a cough is making the rounds and lasting about 10 days. If this lasts longer, or is associated with a fever, it is very important to see a doctor.

• In the east valley Dr. Randolph Gibbs is noticing all the issues that come with the prolonged sun exposure during summertime swimming. He reminds us that melanoma accounts for about three quarters of the mortality from skin cancer. "Risk assessment includes family history and prolonged sun exposure," he says. "Groups at increased risk include fair skinned adults over 65 years old and people with atypical moles." Any moles with irregular borders, change in color, or larger than six millimeters should be checked out. He's also seen an increase of minor burns, which usually happen at home. Cooling the burn for 20 to 30 minutes with cold tap water should be your first step. "One may consider applying topical antibiotics, like silvadene cream and dressings as indicated. Causes vary but are usually due to electrical, flame or chemicals. The kitchen is the most common place of injury for children and the bathroom for older persons." Dr. Gibbs says he has no confirmed cases of whooping cough so far at the Mecca Clinic, but reminds parents to stay vigilant about watching out for symptoms.

• Dr. Andrew Cyrus is seeing lots of phayngitis in Palm Desert this week. Watch out for this sore throat, as it's both viral and bacterial. Seasonal allergies still seem to be plaguing people in this part of the valley. He's also warning people about gastroenteritis. This stomach bug comes with abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea.

• Now that the temperature is consistently over 100 degrees, Dr. Sara Azar is noticing an increase in dehydration cases in Rancho Mirage. She says you may not even realize you're dehydrated until you feel lightheaded, weak or confused, so bring plenty of water outside, even if you're playing tennis or golf very early in the morning. "So bring plenty of water outside and drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty," she says. This week Dr. Azar saw cases of severe prolonged diarrhea that required admission to hospital. While gastroenteritis is most often caused by a virus, these particular cases appear to have been caused by bacteria, such as e. coli. So make sure you practice safe handling of meats when barbecuing, wash produce thoroughly and don't leave salads with mayonnaise out too long when eating outside. Runny nose was worse this week because of the high winds but steroid nasal sprays and saline nose rinses seemed to help.

• Pools are causing a myriad of problems for children in Cathedral City. From chlorine irritation on the skin...to swimmer's ear...to inhaling too much pool water. "Summer is the season of excess," says Dr. Vivien Pacold, "too much ice cream, too much candy, and lots of time in the pool." Make sure your pool ph level is adjusted as the weather heats up, and think about using wax ear plugs to prevent ear infections. Dr. Pacold says she's sent a six-month old to the emergency room on suspicion of pertussis, or whooping cough. If you or your child has a runny nose, persistent cough, and *no fever, check with your doctor so that they can have their lungs properly listened to.

Watch "What's Going Around" every Tuesday evening on KPSP Local 2 News at 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday morning on KPSP Local 2 This Morning at 6:45 a.m.