Viral fevers surge in Hyderabad due to continuous rainfall

HYDERABAD: A sharp increase in viral fevers and mosquito-borne diseases has been reported in Hyderabad following three days of continuous rainfall. The drop in temperature has contributed to the rapid spread of viral fevers across the city, with dengue, malaria, and chikungunya cases also on the rise due to an increase in mosquito breeding.

Many residents are suffering from symptoms such as colds, coughs, fever, and body aches. Nearly every household has reported cases of viral fever, and the city’s hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. Even smaller community health centres are struggling to cope with the influx.

At the Nallakunta Fever Hospital, daily outpatient numbers have surged from 800 to over 1,500. Similarly, Osmania and Gandhi Hospitals have reported over 3,000 daily outpatient visits, primarily related to viral fevers and dengue. Hospital officials have noted a two to threefold increase in general medicine outpatient numbers compared to normal days.

Medical experts have warned that viral fevers are easily transmitted from one person to another, especially in crowded places like schools and offices. Even medical staff have fallen ill in some hospitals due to the ongoing viral outbreak. Public Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) are also experiencing significant pressure, with outpatient numbers exceeding 500 daily.

Doctors advise the public not to panic about viral fevers, as most cases resolve within three to five days with symptomatic treatment. However, they caution against neglecting mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, emphasising the importance of timely treatment to avoid complications.