More rains, more cases of dengue

Chennai: Rains in August were a welcome change from the sweltering heat in the last week of July, but the showers led to a steep increase in the number of dengue cases in Tamil Nadu. At least 1,500 new cases of dengue have been reported in Tamil Nadu in the past 10 days and the number would only see an increase if the rain God continues to show His mercy on the state.

“We are witnessing around 150-200 out-patient cases of fever every day, out of which 15-20 of them have to be admitted as inpatients. Currently, dengue positive cases reported are 9 at Stanley Medical College Hospital, and a higher number of cases at Rajiv Gandhi General Government Hospital and Kilpauk Medical College,” said Dr Ponnumbala Namasivayam, dean, Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.

Neighbouring state, Kerala, which has recorded the highest number of dengue with around 15,612 cases and 25 deaths, is another reason for several districts of Tamil Nadu such as Coimbatore, Madurai, Theni, Toothukudi and Virudhunagar facing its brunt.

Doctors ask people to stay alert and take preventive measures to keep away the infections they may likely catch due to water logging and contaminated food. Children remain at a higher risk as they carry hazardous infections unknowingly when outside or in schools.

“The risk for some diseases goes up, as diseases carrying pathogens are highest during the rains. Water-logging leads to the breeding of mosquitoes and ultimately, an increase in cases of fever and Dengue, therefore rain is likely to worsen the already alarming situation,” says Dr Rajakumar, resident medical officer, Kilpauk Medical College.

“Avoiding outside food, washing hands before and after eating, drinking boiled water and taking a warm water bath can help prevent infections in children, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene at home and outside,” he said.

With already prevalent viral fever, rain will also trigger other waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, leptospirosis, typhoid and flu. Parents should be extra cautious say that around 40 per cent of dengue cases are being witnessed in children in government hospitals.

“We need to focus on other infections too, which, if accompanied by dengue, can be fatal as treatment is restricted. Other infections are overlooked while treating dengue, but double-infection or cross infection can also lead to the death of the dengue patient,” says Dr R. Shanti, a member of Doctors’ Association for Social Equality.