By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Dengue cases continue to rise steadily in Patna, with four new patients admitted to IGIMS, Patna today. According to Dr Manish Mandal, Superintendent of IGIMS, the current strain of dengue is characterised by severe pain in the legs and arms, leading locals to nickname it ‘limping fever’. Other symptoms include body aches and high fever.
Dr Mandal reassured the public, advising against panic and encouraging patients to follow medical guidance closely. He warned against the excessive use of paracetamol, noting that some patients take it five to six times daily, which can lead to vomiting and further health deterioration. “Paracetamol should be limited to three doses per day, including both day and night,” he advised. In this dengue strain, limb pain can persist even after the fever subsides.
Patna remains a dengue hotspot, with Kankarbagh, Pataliputra, Nutan Rajdhani Zone, and Bakipur seeing the highest concentration of cases. Elsewhere, two cases were reported in Danapur, one in Masaurhi, and two in Phulwari Sharif today. The city has recorded a total of 4,129 cases so far, with the overall count for Bihar reaching 8,267.
Dr Mandal highlighted that this year’s dengue symptoms are different from previous strains: while joint pain is notably severe, there is no significant drop in platelet counts. He urged patients to seek medical advice for appropriate treatment and avoid self-medicating with high doses of paracetamol.
