JOIN USViral fever rises in New Delhi
Cases of viral fever have gone up in the city in the last 15 days, said health experts. However, the city has only seen sporadic cases of malaria and dengue this year so far.
Though the trend is observed every year around July or August, most cases have shown severity of symptoms this year.
“The rise in viral infections is a general trend in July and August. But this year, the severity of symptoms has compelled some patients to get admitted for viral fever which they usually avoid doing,” said Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
“Most of the cases are being accompanied by severe body-ache and headache. The severe symptoms make these cases complicated,” Dr Chatterjee added.
There have been cases of malaria and dengue reported but there has been no spurt in such cases yet.
“We have been receiving cases of dengue and malaria on and off. Till now, the cases are sporadic,” said Dr Chatterjee.
Rise in cases
Meanwhile, the government health clinics and hospitals reported 50-100 per cent rise in viral fever cases.
“More than 70 per cent of the patients in the OPD at the New Delhi Municipal Council health clinics are of viral fever. The fever subsides in a week and we are not generally prescribing antibiotics for these cases,” said a senior doctor at a council dispensary.
A few precautions can, however, help people keep away viral infections.
“Maintaining hygiene like washing hands frequently, avoiding handshakes, not rubbing your eyes are a few simple tips. People also need to be careful in using mosquito repellents and nets so that they don’t fall prey to dengue and malaria. With more rainfall, cases of dengue and malaria are likely to go up,” said Dr Anil Bansal, member of the Delhi Medical Council.
The city has not been able to escape the threat of dengue and malaria yet.
“Even last year, the increase in dengue and malaria cases was reported in October and November. However, viral fever cases have gone up by 100 per cent among children in August. A high level of sanitation has to be maintained during this season,” said Dr Alok Agarwal, head of paediatrics, Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital.
At Lok Nayak Hospital, the number of patients admitted with viral fever has also gone up.
“We are seeing more patients at the OPD and the number of patients admitted with viral fever cases at the hospital has gone up by 10 per cent this month. This is because of seasonal change,” said Dr A P Dubey, head of paediatrics department, LNJP.