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Dengue continues to persist in the city even in February, long after the peak season that normally falls between June and September, and doctors find new cases daily. Medical professionals urge people to consult doctors instead of resorting to self-medication.
As the city faces numerous cases of seasonal viral fever, dengue is making a notable appearance. Common symptoms seen in affected people include persistent high fever accompanied by back pain and headaches. Dr. Saketa Reddy, a general practitioner based in Hyderabad, highlights that people who experience significant loss of platelets may also experience bleeding.
Dr. Saketa advises monitoring fever for the first two to three days and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist. He emphasizes that dengue, like many viral diseases, primarily requires supportive care, as there is no specific treatment for it.
On a similar note, Dr J Anish Anand, consultant internal medicine at Apollo Hospitals, reports a rise in viral infections and scarlet fever cases among children. “Although dengue has not reached epidemic proportions, it is still prevalent among patients who seek medical advice. Symptoms include bone pain, particularly pain in the lower spine, fever and rash,” he said.
Talking about the complications of dengue, Dr. Anand noted that in about 95% of cases, the primary treatment is to administer paracetamol and ensure adequate hydration. Bleeding is rare until the patient’s platelet level falls below 10,000 (normal is 1.4 lakh).
According to data from the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), Telangana in 2023 recorded 5,138 dengue cases and zero deaths.
“Identifying the root cause, often related to mosquito breeding in freshwater, is crucial to effectively address the problem of dengue,” said Dr Madap Karuna, a Hyderabad-based paediatrician. Despite a few cases recorded in the city and the state, Dr Karuna asserted the need for government involvement in monitoring and treating the source of the disease.