Viral fever cases on the rise in city

HYDERABAD: The downpour over the last one week has led to a spurt in viral fever cases in the twin cities. Hospitals are recording a steep rise in the number of viral fever cases as well as pneumonia, due to the dip in temperatures. Doctors said that patients are coming with complaints of fever, running nose, throat pain and gastroenteritis.
District health authorities estimate that as many as 4,860 viral fever cases have been reported in Hyderabad over the last two weeks.At the state-run Fever Hospital, which gets cases from all over the twin cities and neighboring districts, an approximate 1,000 people are coming in every day with complaints of fever, cold, cough and malaria among others.
Specialists said that the virus spreads rapidly in cool and damp atmosphere and hence, viral fevers tend to spread faster during monsoon. Dr R Siddeshwari, head of department (medicine) at Osmania General Hospital said every monsoon there is a steep rise in cases of viral fevers due to the change in weather. She said that the state-run hospital is seeing at least 30 viral fever cases on an average everyday, with most cases being reported from crowded areas in the city.
Dr G Srinivasulu, district medical and health officer, Hyderabad, said that over the last two weeks, 18 malaria cases have been reported in the city. He, however, added that the dengue fever is under control as only four dengue cases have been reported so far this year.
Doctors at private hospitals say that the out-patient departments are teeming with viral fever cases more so over the last two weeks. "Do not neglect fever and consult a physician to avoid complications. Certain viral fevers do not subside unless specific treatment is given like in the case of malaria," says Dr Aftab Ahmed, physician, Apollo Hospital. He said that the hospital is seeing several cases of viral fevers every day.
Physicians suggest an intake of high protein diet to prevent infections. Also, specialists say that keeping surroundings clean, using mosquito nets, drinking boiled or filtered water and eating fresh home cooked food can contain monsoon-related illnesses.