Vector-borne diseases on the rise in hyderabad city

Nallakunta: Seasonal diseases such as typhoid, diphtheria, dengue, malaria, chikungunya and diarrhea are on the rise since the start of the monsoon. Government hospitals in the city are witnessing a spurt in patients. Speaking to The Hans India, Dr Padmaja, RMO, Fever Hospital, said, "During the monsoon we witness several cases and 20 to 25 patients are admitted daily."

The city did not get enough rains but there is a nip in the air. Once it starts raining with more frequency, the number of patients is bound to increase. Presently, over 1,500 cases are reported daily at Fever Hospital.

Cases of typhoid, dengue and malaria-related cases are more as compared to other diseases as these are monsoon-related diseases. Poor sanitation and hygiene are reasons for the spurt in cases.

A senior doctor says, "People living in slums are more vulnerable to monsoon related diseases due to water logging. Even a small quantity of water, as little as 40 ml, if left stagnating anywhere or placed inside and outside homes, will serve as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes which transmits virus causing dengue, malaria, and other life-threatening vector-borne diseases. The city also has witnessed variations in temperature due to climatic changes in the last two months. Due to which, a number of malaria and dengue cases have been reported in government and private hospitals due to rise in mosquitoes."

Chief entomologist of GHMC said, "Usually, malaria cases increased in June, and dengue in July. We are taking precautions, ranging from awareness campaigns to health camps across the city to prevent mosquitoes. We are also in touch with the health department, and hospitals to keep a track of spike in dengue or malaria numbers in hospitals and people from which area are more affected."