Doctors Worry as Dengue Cases Rise in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Doctors have sounded caution as, with the onset of the monsoon season, viral diseases including dengue and non-viral diseases are spreading in the city. Doctors are particularly vigilant about dengue which follows a cyclical pattern, as reflected in a study by WHO recently, showing alternate years of increase and decrease.
Given that the past two years have seen a decline in dengue cases, an uptick is anticipated this year.
Mentioning this trend, Dr K. Shankar, superintendent of Government Fever Hospital, said they have begun to note a slight increase in dengue cases. "In the past week, we have seen four dengue cases, and we are providing them with symptomatic treatment," he said. The hospital is also treating patients with vomiting, stomach flu, typhoid, and upper respiratory diseases. Currently, the hospital has 80-90 in-patients and around 700 out-patients.
Among viral infections, the hospital has reported cases of chikungunya, viral hepatitis, and respiratory diseases with swine-flu-like symptoms, though the numbers remain low. "There is no need to panic, but we need to observe caution," said Dr Shankar.
He advised citizens to drink boiled water, stay hydrated and see a nearby hospital immediately if they have a fever over 101º F for more than three days with joint pains, body ache and body rashes.
“The patients who report dengue symptoms are tested with dengue kits and if they are found to be positive, they are provided fluids and symptomatic relief. Platelet count is observed. It should not fall below 20,000,” Dr Shankar added.
Doctors running private clinics in Attapur, Nallakunta and Nacharam have seen a spike in dengue cases. “Seven out of 10 patients in my clinic are dengue cases. A similar increase is being seen by my co-workers in other areas. However, the symptoms are typical of dengue: high fever with joint pains and muscle pain,” said Dr Prashanth Reddy, who runs a clinic in Attapur.
Tracking fevers is important as “One patient of mine who had no symptom other than high fever reported dengue later,” said Dr Prashanth. Doctors have not reported any serious cases where hospitalisation is required, so far.
At PHCs, most cases being reported are of viral fever and stomach flu. “With eight viral fever cases today, the number of patients with common cold and cough, upper respiratory infections is increasing. For dengue, we saw only one patient in the past week,” said a PHC official in Kushaiguda.