Ranchi Health Crisis: Unpredictable Weather Triggers Spike in Seasonal Ailments and Snake Bites

Ranchi: Unpredictable weather, fluctuating temperatures, and untimely showers has triggered a significant health crisis in the capital, with medical facilities reporting a sharp spike in seasonal ailments. Health experts have raised an alarm over a 10% to 15% surge in patient volumes, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

Dr Prabhat Kumar, Civil Surgeon of Ranchi, confirmed that Outpatient Department (OPD) attendance has jumped by approximately 15% in the last few days due to a rise in viral fevers and respiratory issues.

"We are witnessing a high prevalence of viral infections which sometimes transition into opportunistic secondary bacterial infections. In such weather conditions, the risk of pneumonia and diarrhoea is notably higher among children," Dr Kumar said. He further emphasised that pregnant women, children, and the elderly remain the most vulnerable groups during this climatic transition.

Corroborating these findings, Dr Ajit Dungdung, Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), noted an average 10% rise in general OPD cases related to viral fevers and seasonal coughs and colds. “Right now, we are getting approximately 10 to 15 cases related to seasonal ailments in the OPD,” he said.

He cautioned that the erratic weather poses a severe threat to those managing chronic illnesses.

"Patients with conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure must exercise extra caution. We are also seeing a marked increase in bronchial asthma attacks and respiratory distress," Dr Dungdung added.

Beyond viral outbreaks, the shift in mercury levels and rising humidity have led to a disturbing uptick in snake bite incidents. Dr Dungdung revealed that the RIMS emergency department recently treated 10 snake bite victims in a single day. "As the rains arrive, snakes are flushed out of their natural habitats. The high humidity levels frequently drive them towards human settlements in search of shelter," he said.

The Civil Surgeon also confirmed that this trend is reflected at Sadar Hospital Ranchi, as well as at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) at the block level, where snake bite admissions have seen an increase.

Vivekanand Kumar, a biologist at the Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, explained that water entering snake burrows forces the reptiles to the surface. He advised residents to maintain clean surroundings and seal any holes near their premises.

"To prevent bites, people should wear gumboots while working in fields and carry a stick to tap the ground when walking on dark roads; the vibrations alert any nearby reptiles to move away," he said.