Viral fever cases on the rise in Southern states

Doctors have reported a spike in the number of viral fever cases in the last few weeks. While the numbers are not as bad as they were three years ago, especially for Dengue

Rains and weather conditions have resulted in a spike in the number of viral fever cases across the country. The Southern states seem to have been more affected with viral fever now spreading beyond. First Kerala reported thousands of cases of fever and the condition is spreading to all neighbouring states. While doctors have termed the spike 'expected' due to the weather, they are hopeful that the situation will improve in a few weeks.

Kerala is worst affected by viral fever, Dengue

Viral fever cases in Kerala have been on an all time high. More than 11,000 people were affected by Dengue in Kerala since May this year. At least 21 people have died due to dengue and the government in on a cleanliness drive. Director of health services in the state called the situation " a massive health crisis". As on July 16, more than 40,000 people in Kerala were reportedly suffering from high fever. Torrential rains have left water stagnated at various places in the picturesque Kerala leading to a spike in the number of viral infections. In June, the state recorded more than a 100 deaths due to fever forcing the government to act fast.

Malaria trouble for Telangana

In Hyderabad alone, 1,000 cases of Malaria have been reported this year. Incessant rains have only added to the spike in numbers in the last week. Close to 33,571 Rapid Diagnostic Test kits have been dispatched for diagnosis of malaria across hospitals. In Telangana, 17 people have died this year of H1N1 influenza and about 1,443 cases have been reported.

284 death in Maharashtra due to H1N1

Out of the 600 people who died due to H1N1 this year, 284 people are from Maharashtra. The number is higher than national total of 265 in 2016. A total of 9,12,460 people have been infected across the country and 600 have succumbed to it. Kyasanur Forest Disease also known as Monkey fever is now spreading across the state. 19 people have died while 331 people have been affected by the fever this year. Health care personnel are on an overdrive of fever surveillance especially in villages of Dodamarg and Sawantwadi in Maharashtra.

Zika scare in Tamil Nadu

After the first case of Zika was reported from Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri, fever is giving people the nightmares. On Wednesday a 9=year-old boy died due to acute fever in Tiruchi. Fake messages spreading rumours of fever, shortage of medicines is only worsening the situation.

Dengue outbreak in Karnataka

In the last 72 hours, almost 400 cases of Dengue were reported in Karnataka. Since January, close to 5,000 cases of Dengue have been reported in the state and the number has spiked in the last couple of weeks. Viral fever continues to be a cause of concern for health care personnel in the state. In Bengaluru alone, the BBMP health division recorded more than 2,000 cases of Dengue till July 19. 100 cases of Dengue have been reported in Mandya, Mysuru, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Udupi and Shivamogga.

"We are taking all precautions and have kept our doctors alert. People should also cooperate since it is not just the job of the health department. Civic bodies are also responsible for fogging and cleaning up areas prone to mosquito breeding. There is no shortage of beds at government hospitals," said Ramesh Kumar, Health minister of Karnataka.

Private hospitals, however, claim that the number of patients walking in with fever is high. "When patients face severe vomiting, breathlessness, falling BP, severe dehydration, we immediately advise hospitalisation. There are people with myocardisis which is decrease in heart function and respiratory tract, depending on the condition we admit the patient either in ICU or on emergency and keep them under strict observation," said Dr Pankaj Singhai, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicines, Manipal Hospitals

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