Nagpur: After a dip in viral infectionsthe city is once again witnessing a sharp and sudden rise in dengue and chikungunya cases, with many complaining of high-grade feverjoint pains, and prolonged weakness.
With high mosquito density everywhere, the transmission of chikungunya has spiralled to different parts of the city. Offices, colleges, and schools are witnessing poor attendance as many have taken ill due to the viral infections.Some schools have also suggested parents apply mosquito repellents on kids to protect them from bites.
On Monday, a senior journalist passed away following illness due to suspected dengue. According to official data, the number of confirmed cases is quite low. However, the scenario in hospitals and clinics across the city is totally opposite. Doctors said the figures don’t match the ground reality as the process for declaring a confirmed dengue or chikungunya case is long and often unreliable.
As of date, the first 12 days of August have recorded 92 confirmed chikungunya cases out of 452 suspects. This has taken this year’s tally to 210 cases and 926 suspects after the disease outbreak in June. A total of 22 dengue cases and no deaths have been reported in August.
Every other home has at least one fever or viral infection patient. The NMC survey found nearly 1,300 fever patients in the door-to-door survey on Monday alone. It collected 62 serum samples.
NMC medical officer (health) Dr Deepak Selukar said fogging and spraying of insecticides are done regularly. “Ten vehicle-mounted machines have been deployed, one in each of the zones. They have GPS installed to keep track. Spraying is done as per complaints or where suspected/positive dengue and chikungunya cases are reported. One rapid response team, specially for spraying and fogging in areas where suspected or confirmed cases have been reported, is deployed,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Faisal, professor and head, department of Orthopaedics, IGGMCH, said the ongoing second phase of the chikungunya outbreak would go on till September. “It depends on rains. Initially, the epicentre was West Nagpur, but the disease has now spread to different parts of the city. Joint pain and recurring fever complaints are still pouring in. Fever is settling down in two to three days on giving injectables, but joint pain is persisting for long. However, there is nothing alarming in terms of the severity of the disease. Physicians need to focus on treatment rather than diagnosis. Simple anti-fever drugs are effective,” he said.
