Hyderabad sees rise in viral fever cases

Daily average outpatient inflow hovers between 800 and 900

Hyderabad: Intense rainfall and fluctuations in temperatures for the past fortnight have triggered a rise in cases of viral fevers in Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts.

While dengue has been active in the city since the onset of the monsoon, patients with typical symptoms of viral fevers are also turning up in large numbers at outpatient wings of Fever Hospital, Osmania General Hospital (OGH), Gandhi Hospital, private nursing homes and clinics in the city and surrounding districts.

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A majority of the fever cases are related to consumption of food and water contaminated with bacteria or fungi, leading to ailments like typhoid (enteric fever), dysentery and jaundice. Extensive spells of showers, especially in low-lying areas and slum-settlements, leave the local residents exposed to faecal and bacterial contamination through water consumption, which triggers such kinds of bacterial and viral fevers, senior health officials said.

“That’s why we advise people to be careful and consume only hot food and treated water during inclement weather conditions. Last month, we had received close to 95 dengue cases but this month, so far we have received 50 cases. Daily average outpatient inflow of patients is hovering between 800 and 900,” Fever Hospital Superintendent Dr K Shankar said.

Senior doctors said that till October, the cases of typhoid and other viral and bacterial-based ailments and fevers are most likely to continue.

“Seasonal fevers in Hyderabad depend on the monsoon activity, which continues to remain active till October in Hyderabad. People should be cautious and simple measures like treating water and avoiding stale food goes a long way in preventing such diseases,” OGH Superintendent Dr G Nagender said.

Senior district health officials said at present the case load of patients at outpatient wings in OGH, Gandhi and Fever Hospital have remained manageable and at this juncture, conducting evening clinics at government hospitals is not necessary.

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