Hyderabad hospitals see spike in dengue, chikungunya, influenza cases

Hyderabad is witnessing a surge in seasonal diseases due to wet weather and high humidity, with hospitals reporting more dengue, chikungunya, and flu cases. Health officials advise weekly ‘Dry Days’ and preventive measures to curb mosquito breeding and infection spread

Hyderabad: The inclement weather conditions in Hyderabad have created an ideal environment for a surge in seasonal diseases. Clinics, nursing homes, Basthi Dawakhanas, outpatient wings of Gandhi, Fever Hospital in Nallakunta, and Osmania General Hospital have started receiving more patients than usual.

Almost all the ailments that are being reported are related to vector and water-borne, viral fevers and cases of influenza. At present, based on the cases being reported from private and government hospitals, patients with symptoms of suspected dengue, chikungunya and airborne ailments like viral fevers and influenza like illness are currently visiting health care facilities.

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“Lower temperature and higher humidity leads to seasonal illnesses, especially vector, water, and air-borne diseases. Elaborate arrangements to meet the extra rush of patients have been taken at all government hospitals. However, people in general should also be cautious and take precautions from their side,” advises Director of Public Health (DPH), Dr B Ravinder Nayak.

To combat breeding of mosquitoes that transmit dengue, malaria and chikungunya, the Public Health wing has urged people to observe Friday, one day in a week, as ‘Dry Day’ to get rid of stagnant water around their households.

“Utilise nets, screens and anti-mosquito repellants. Maintain domestic systems to prevent water stagnation. Cover domestic septic tanks with a mesh to prevent mosquito breeding,” advisory said.

In addition to recommending people to avoid contaminated water and food, the health department has urged people to maintain basic cough etiquette, against influenza.

Basic etiquette during the monsoon:

* Avoid shaking hands with sick patients

* Use a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing

* For symptoms like cough with fever, headache, sore throat and associated body pains, visit nearest doctor