Weather deterioration: Swine Flu claims 6 lives in 15 days in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The frequent variation in day time temperatures over the last two weeks has not only led to an alarming rise in cases of dreaded H1N1 (swine flu) virus, but also resulted in significant heap in the count of influenza, dengue, malaria and viral fever patients across Telangana. From Hyderabad alone, six swine flu deaths have been reported in last 15 days, with the last two being reported on Monday morning.

Apart from private facilities, the load of influenza and fever cases has raised up drastically even in government hospitals, with the Fever Hospital recording 1,600 out-patients per day. Of them, 600-650 are cases of influenza fever, said doctors who point out how the number, this time, is more than usual cases recorded at the facility.

“Typically November-December is when influenza cases peak. We are already seeing an increase in cases and the number of out-patients has doubled up as compared to two months ago. The change in weather and temperature fluctuations make the conditions favourable for viral activity,” said Dr K Shankar, director, Institute of Preventive Medicine and superintendent of Fever Hospital.

The influenza-like fever patients at the hospital are being tested for Influenza A, dengue and H1N1 (swine flu). As per latest records, 320 new cases of dengue and 61 cases of malaria were detected in the first week of October in the state. Monday, six patients admitted at the Gandhi Hospital were tested positive for swine flu while three more were suspected of being affected by the virus.

While influenza is a self limiting viral fever, a close look has to be maintained to look out for other types of viruses, said experts, as many viral fevers are difficult to confirm.