Viral Infections Continue to Plague City Hospitals: Dengue and Chikungunya Cases Increase as Respiratory Illnesses Persist
In recent times, viral infections have been posing a significant challenge for both government and private hospitals in the city. While respiratory illnesses are on the rise across several healthcare centers, there has also been a notable increase in dengue cases among children, along with steady numbers of chikungunya.
According to Suresh Kumar, an Infectious Diseases consultant at Apollo Hospitals, the hospital continues to receive cases of dengue, but in the last few weeks, chikungunya has also become prevalent among patients. He states that patients are experiencing symptoms such as joint pain, prompting the need to consider chikungunya if the dengue test turns out negative. The fever associated with chikungunya subsides after two days, but the joint pain persists for about 10 to 14 days, primarily affecting wrists and ankles and causing difficulties in holding objects and walking. Some patients also experience skin rashes.
At the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, doctors note that fever cases are expected during this time of the year. They observe a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, with most of them being viral and resolving on their own. The majority of children experiencing difficulty in breathing and bronchiolitis are under one year old. The doctors underline that these respiratory illnesses are typical for this season.
Janani Sankar, director of Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital, reveals that there has been a surge in the number of children with dengue since the second week of September. While some necessitate hospitalization for a few days, others can be managed as outpatients, with parents being informed about the warning signs. Children who require admission show improvement with continuous monitoring of vital parameters and proper fluid management before eventually being discharged. Furthermore, there are several cases of viral fevers, where some children test negative for dengue but experience persistent fever accompanied by cough and cold for about a week. Respiratory infections, including those caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus, are also prevalent among infants, leading to symptoms such as fever, rapid breathing, difficulty in feeding, coughing, and the need for nebulization. The hospital is also witnessing cases of typhoid.
Dr. Janani adds that such seasonal illnesses usually peak in the months of October and November each year.
A senior doctor from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital points out that there are numerous cases of influenza and patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms and prolonged coughs. Surprisingly, mixed infections such as dengue along with leptospirosis have been observed as well. He advises individuals to seek medical assistance if a fever persists for more than three days.
Amidst the ongoing viral infections, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in seeking appropriate medical attention. Hospitals are taking necessary measures to manage the surge in cases, and it is important for individuals to prioritize their health and that of their children. By staying informed about the symptoms and warning signs associated with these viral infections, communities can work together to combat the spread and mitigate the impact on public health.
