Is Dengue Biting the City Yet Again?
CHENNAI: The sudden evening showers might bring some respite from the sweltering weather in the city. But the intermittent rains has also brought with it many kinds of viral infections and fever. City doctors have been witnessing a sudden increase in the number of dengue cases in the city.
Doctors observed that most of the patients come in with complaints of fever, joint pain and petechial haemorrhage, where there are red spots on the body. Initially admitted for viral fever, many cases have tested positive for dengue. This time, however, doctors are seeing more cases of dengue in adults than in children, particularly those who are diabetic.
“Usually we see dengue in children, as they play near stagnated water. But this time I have seen over 5 adult cases in the last week. We are also seeing cases that are asymptomatic but have a low platelet count. We immediately give them platelet transfusion. Diabetics need to be extra careful as they are prone to such viral infection,” said Dr Baraneedharan K, Physician and Diabetologist, Global Hospital.
Though showing low platelet count alone cannot confirm dengue, doctors said they are noticing patients with platelet counts that are less than 50,000 or even 10,000 against the minimum count of 1.5 lakh.
Doctors at state-run hospitals have been treating more fever cases than dengue. “Dengue has become endemic. We see one or two cases all through the year. We get about 20 to 30 fever cases days a week. However, there is no sudden surge,” said Dr Ragunandhan, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.
There has been an increase of over 35 percent in cases of bronchitis. “Such patients mostly come with complaints of cough. People with asthma and wheezing are those who suffer the most,” said Dr Vinod Prem Anand, Consultant GP, Fortis Malar Hospital.
Aedes Egypti mosquito, which breeds in fresh water and bites during day, can transmit virus that cause dengue.
Prevention
Do not let water stagnate in containers, tyres, broken pots, half broken tender coconut and others.
Close all water storage containers and overhead and indoor tanks to prevent breeding
Make sure there is no source of mosquito breeding in and around your home or workplace.
Always drink boiled water. Drink plenty of fluids
Consult doctors if you get symptoms of fever for more than three days with rashes on the body or headaches or joint pain.