Prolonged symptoms raise alarm as seasonal illnesses surge in Hyderabad

Keerthi, a 38-year-old IT worker from Hyderabad, suffered a high fever in mid-September, raising concerns about dengue or chikungunya. After visiting a diagnostic center and getting a negative test for both, he was relieved. However, while the fever subsided within two days, the joint pain persisted for two weeks. “The aches were intense and took a lot longer to go away,” he shared, echoing the experiences of many others in the city.

August and September have been particularly difficult months for residents of Hyderabad, as seasonal illnesses reach their peak. According to Dr P. Saketa Reddy, a general practitioner based in Hyderabad, the symptoms of these diseases are more severe and longer lasting this year. “People take more than a month to recover from body pain. This is an unusual trend that we have not observed in previous years,” she noted.

Dr Saketa added that the current outbreak affects people of all age groups. In addition to joint pain, many suffer from a persistent dry cough. She warned of the increasing transmission of viral fevers, while stressing that mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya continue to pose a significant threat. “Dengue and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes, not droplets. People should therefore remain vigilant and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” she advised.

India has seen a significant increase in vector-borne diseases in 2024. According to Dr Hari Gopinath, consultant pediatrician at Ankura Women and Children’s Hospital in Kompally, the country reported around 1.2 million malaria cases this year. year, an increase of 15% compared to vector-borne diseases. the previous year. Hyderabad alone recorded around 30,000 dengue cases, an increase of 20 per cent, while chikungunya cases stood at 15,000.

“These statistics highlight a worrying trend made worse by urbanization, climate change and poor sanitation. The monsoon season in Hyderabad has increased the mosquito population, further increasing the risk of disease transmission,” explained Dr Gopinath.

For vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, the consequences of these diseases can be serious. Dr Archana Dinesh Bidla, consultant gynecologist at Kamineni Hospitals in LB Nagar, pointed out that symptoms such as low platelet count and joint pain can lead to critical complications, including shortness of breath and shock, often requiring admissions. in intensive care. “Pregnant women should be careful, because taking painkillers without medical advice can worsen their condition,” she warned, inviting them to consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Adding to the complexity, Dr. Saketa pointed out that testing for COVID-19 has declined significantly, despite the similarity in symptoms between COVID and other seasonal illnesses. “People should avoid self-medication and consult a doctor. Increasing COVID testing can help identify cases and remind people of preventive measures such as wearing a mask, washing hands and sanitizing, which many have now neglected,” he said. -she declared.