By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The number of patients suffering from cough, fever, typhoid, dengue, and viral flu has seen a significant rise across Patna. In many localities, almost every household has one or two individuals affected by viral flu. When people seek medical treatment, around 10% of cases are being diagnosed as dengue, with another 10 to 15% identified as typhoid.
Dr. Manoj Sinha, Superintendent of New Gardiner Road Hospital in Patna, reported that the incidence of common flu has increased by 20% compared to usual levels. In addition, the ongoing rainy season has led to a spike in dengue cases, with his centre offering ELISA tests to confirm diagnoses. A worrying discovery is that the more severe cases of dengue, often leading to critical conditions or fatalities, are linked to Type-2 dengue.
He noted that about 5 to 10% of those initially diagnosed with flu are actually suffering from dengue. While Type-1 cases are generally manageable, those infected with Type-2 dengue are experiencing severe symptoms, including a sudden drop in platelets and dangerously low blood pressure, putting their lives at risk.
Dr. Sinha further explained that typhoid cases are also on the rise, with approximately 10 to 15% of daily patients being diagnosed with the condition. The hospital’s OPD is receiving 130 to 160 flu patients each day, with a significant number testing positive for dengue and typhoid.
“The dengue situation is likely to persist for the next month to a month and a half,” said Dr. Sinha. “The current rainy and humid conditions are ideal for mosquito breeding. However, once the colder weather arrives, the spread of dengue will slow down as the mosquitoes’ breeding capacity weakens.”
At present, more than 45 dengue patients are receiving treatment in government and private hospitals across Bihar, and a total of 1,123 dengue cases have been reported in the state. In Patna alone, 523 dengue cases have been identified. In the last 24 hours, 55 positive dengue cases were recorded across Bihar, with five from Samastipur and four from Saran.
Other districts, including Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Siwan, and West Champaran, are also grappling with a surge in dengue cases. While Patna Municipal Corporation claims to be conducting anti-larval spraying and fogging to curb the spread of dengue, residents argue that these measures are insufficient and poorly executed.
Health experts advise immediate testing for dengue if fever persists for two days, particularly if accompanied by vomiting, diarrhoea, extreme weakness, or body pain. If a patient tests positive for dengue and experiences continuous headaches, body pain, vomiting, nausea, or abdominal pain, hospital admission is recommended.
To prevent dengue, it is crucial to prevent water stagnation around the house. Areas where water accumulates should be treated with kerosene or chemicals. Use mosquito nets while sleeping and take measures to repel mosquitoes from the home.
Dengue patients should stay hydrated, as dehydration can lead to a dangerous drop in platelet levels. Blood pressure should be monitored closely in patients whose platelet count is falling, and they should remain under hospital care if necessary.
