Big worry as dengue cases rise

Test needed to distinguish between Covid, viral fever

Number of cases of dengue and viral fever has been on the rise in the Fever Hospital at Nallakunta for the past one week. Even local private clinics too are witnessing a spike in these cases. Doctors are finding it difficult to diagnose these cases as viral fever or the Covid-19, unless the patient goes for Covid tests.

Medical experts alert there are also possibilities of dual infections. The symptoms of dengue, flu, Covid and rickettsia can overlap in some cases.

Experts blame poor sanitisation, rainwater stagnation, poor civic response by the citizens, who neglect their surroundings and unclean environments for the increasing number of cases.

According to Dr S.R. Sukumar, a retired professor, who runs a private clinic, “Since last week, the cases have doubled, most of the patients complained of fever, body pains, headaches, throat infections, skin rashes etc. Usually during the monsoons, the viral fevers are on the rise, but since the Coronavirus is around, concern levels are high. The physicians are finding it difficult to differentiate viral fever and Covid as many patients are reluctant to go for Covid tests.”

He added, “These viral fevers are not to be taken lightly, as the body’s immunity system can be compromised and other viruses may attack.”

Dr Ashish Chauhan from Apollo Hospitals said, “As dengue is on the rise, people have to be very careful. When these symptoms of fever, body pains, headaches, nausea, vomiting and cough are noticed, reach the medical practitioner as early as possible, better to use online consultancy, which can avoid spreading. There are also possibilities of dual infections, so never neglect to consult the physician.”

“Those who are under treatment should be hydrated well, semi solid food and high protein intake is advisable. Smoking and alcoholic beverages should be strictly avoided,” he advised.