New Delhi: The recent spell of rain in the capital has led to a spurt in viral infections, especially influenza, common cold and conjunctivitis. While vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue saw a dip this year due to the delayed monsoon, doctors now foresee a spike due to the rains.
According to Dr Atul Gogia, Associate Consultant (Medicine) at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, cooler temperatures cause viruses to grow, leading to diseases such as influenza. “Now that the weather is cooler, there will be an automatic rise in flu cases. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body ache and fatigue. We have seen a sudden rise in cases of respiratory infection.
Doctors also said there has been a sudden spurt in eye-infections, particularly conjunctivitis.
“Rains always increase chances of viral and bacterial infections. We have also seen cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Viral eye infections tend to go up due to humidity in this weather. One must wash hands frequently,” Dr Lopamudra Das, Senior Consultant (Ophthalmology) at Columbia Asia hospital in Gurgaon said.
Dengue and malaria cases, however, have been very less this year going by data received from municipal corporations. Till August 30 this year, only 25 cases of malaria were reported including seven in August alone. Last year, 74 malaria cases were reported till August. MCD also recorded 33 cases of dengue till August, while the figure was 162 last year.
Bureau Report
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