Cases of viral fever in the city seem to be spiraling out of control. This month alone, 13,327 were treated at the out-paitent ward of the Fever Hospital. In the first fortnight, 666 were admitted to the hospital. On the bright side, officials claim only one case of dengue fever has been treated till date. Last month, around 38 such cases were treated.
“It is a new virus, once you have fever, the body will develop resistance to it. The same virus won’t be able to affect you again,” explained Dr M Raja Rao, Consultant Physician, Fever Hospital, downplaying the increased numbers of viral fever.
The highest increase was seen in September, as OP cases increased by more than 50 per cent. A staggering 26096 patients were treated last month, while 1495 persons were admitted to the hospital. “On an average, 900-1000 patients are treated everyday. The numbers have increased a little this year. But this is seasonal, and happens each year,” said Dr. Rao and cautioned about dengue fever, saying proper care has to be taken — homes must be well protected from mosquitoes.
In August, 21 positive cases of dengue fever were identified, while in September, 31 cases were reported. This month however, just one person was diagnosed with the virus. Dr. Rao said that many people rush to the hospital claiming they have dengue fever when the blood platelet count in their body is low. “Low blood platelet does not indicate that a person is down with dengue fever. The same happens in malaria too. Only that test can determine that,” explained Dr. Rao. He added that the cases of dengue fever reported in the last two months were quite normal, and it occurs every year.
Dr. Rao, further said that wrong information is given out at times when only technicians are present at labs. “A proper test result can be given out only when it is done by a pathologist. Even if one platelet is missed, it makes a lot of difference.” he pointed out.