BM Health: Hospitals overwhelmed as viral fever cases soar

The city is witnessing a surge in viral fever cases, with numbers increasing daily and affecting a large segment of the population. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, headaches, extreme fatigue, and joint pain. Alongside the ongoing concern over dengue cases in the state, viral fever has now become a major health issue.

Many individuals are suddenly experiencing high temperatures accompanied by headaches and muscle pain.

What was once considered a routine illness is now impacting people of all ages, leading to hospitals, both public and private, struggling to manage the influx of patients. The fever has particularly affected children, resulting in a significant drop in school attendance. As cases continue to rise, parents are increasingly rushing to hospitals to seek treatment for their children.

Medical response and prevention
Dr. Puttaraj, a healthcare expert, emphasised the importance of proper treatment and prevention. “With the rise in viral fever cases, timely treatment is being administered to all patients. Preventive measures such as maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands regularly, avoiding direct contact with sick individuals, and consuming hygienically prepared food are critical. Drinking only safe and clean water is also essential, and in severe cases, immediate medical consultation is advised,” he stated.

Challenges in protecting children’s health

Experts highlight that viral fevers do not respond to antibiotics, making rest and proper care the primary form of treatment. Along with this, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring good personal hygiene are key preventive steps. Regular vaccinations and mosquito control efforts also play a crucial role in preventing the spread of viral fever. The intensity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with common signs including cold, sweating, headaches, sore throat, cough, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, exhaustion, and high body temperature. Dehydration is another symptom frequently associated with the illness.

Doctors encountering dengue-like illnesses
Hospitals and clinics in the city are witnessing a rise in patients exhibiting symptoms similar to dengue, though test results are coming back negative for the disease. These cases are being referred to as ‘dengue-like illness’ by doctors, who are treating patients based on their symptoms. Patients with this condition experience high fever, vomiting, and rashes, which are typical signs of dengue. While confirmed cases of dengue have increased, as verified by laboratory tests, there are instances where patients test negative for dengue despite showing similar symptoms.

Preventive measures such as maintaining personal hygiene, washing hands, avoiding direct contact with sick individuals are critical– Dr Puttaraj

A city-based doctor said, “The city is reporting both dengue and dengue-like illness cases. In dengue-like illness, patients exhibit symptoms like decreasing platelets, rashes, nausea, and vomiting, but when tested for dengue, they show negative results. Doctors are conducting comprehensive tests to identify the specific illness causing these symptoms. There are various fevers with overlapping symptoms. The tropical fever test helps differentiate between fevers such as chikungunya, dengue, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, or malaria.”

City hospitals have seen a significant rise in dengue cases. The prolonged rainy season has elevated the risk of vector-borne diseases spreading. Health department officials have indicated that they have implemented preventive measures to curb the spread of these seasonal diseases.