Viral fevers rampant on University of Hyderabad campus

HYDERABAD: Viral fevers, including dengue, have become rampant among students of the University of Hyderabad (UoH). As the university’s health centre does not have dengue diagnosing facility, students are being referred to Citizens, Care and Pranaam hospitals.

Medical officers at UoH disclosed that a minimum of 20 to 30 cases of viral fevers are being reported every day since the start of the long rainy season commencing June. The university health centre is equipped to test only the platelet count. If it is low, the ailing patients are being referred to the nearby hospitals, where a complete dengue test is done and treatment provided accordingly.

“The mosquito menace is still prevalent in the university despite anti-larval operations due to considerable green space. It has become a challenge to keep a check on the mosquito menace due to the long rainy season, which is beyond our control,” a medical official said.

With the spread of viral fevers, nightlife in the varsity has come down. Many students admitted to referral hospitals for treatment are even going back to their homes. They are returning only after complete recovery, a student stated.

There are more than 10,000 people on the university campus, including students, faculty and their family members. The UoH has put up posters at various places on the premises to increase awareness within the student community about getting rid of stagnant water and maintaining distance from green spaces during the evening time.