Hyderabad, 4 August
Hyderabad Viral Fever Surge: Continuous Rains Trigger Dengue-Like Illnesses, Hospitals See Rush of Patients
Continuous rains trigger dengue concerns and a sharp rise in seasonal illnesses across Hyderabad, with government hospitals and Basthi Dawakhanas witnessing an increasing number of patients suffering from viral fevers, influenza-like illnesses (ILI), and suspected dengue infections.
The persistent wet weather over the past several days has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and the spread of viral infections. Health experts say hospitals are experiencing a significant increase in outpatient visits, while many patients are reporting symptoms commonly associated with dengue despite testing negative for the disease.
Government Hospitals Witness Sharp Rise in Viral Fever Cases
As continuous rains trigger dengue fears across the city, outpatient departments at Fever Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and Osmania General Hospital (OGH) have reported a noticeable spike in patient footfall.
Doctors are treating individuals with symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Persistent cough
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Severe body aches (myalgia)
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Respiratory discomfort
Medical professionals say many patients are experiencing debilitating exhaustion that affects their daily routine, prompting them to seek immediate treatment.
Basthi Dawakhanas, which provide primary healthcare services across Hyderabad, are also witnessing a steady influx of patients suffering from seasonal viral infections.
Dengue-Like Symptoms Increasing, But Many Test Negative
One of the biggest concerns for doctors is that continuous rains trigger dengue-like illnesses with symptoms closely resembling the mosquito-borne disease, yet many patients are testing negative for dengue.
Senior paediatrician and dengue expert Dr. Madapa Karuna said doctors are observing an unusual trend among patients.
“We are witnessing cases wherein individuals are developing sudden high-grade fever of 104 and even 105 degrees, intense headaches caused by sharp pain directly behind the eyes. We are also seeing rashes, which are typical symptoms of dengue. However, when patients are getting tested, they are testing negative for dengue.”
Doctors say many patients are arriving with:
- Sudden high-grade fever reaching 104–105°F
- Severe headache with pain behind the eyes
- Skin rashes
- Chills followed by heavy sweating
- Severe muscle and joint pain
- Lower back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
Health experts advise people not to assume they have dengue based solely on symptoms and recommend immediate medical evaluation and laboratory testing for an accurate diagnosis.
Influenza-Like Illnesses Also on the Rise
Apart from dengue-like illnesses, hospitals are reporting a significant increase in Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI).
Patients commonly complain of:
- Scratchy throat
- Persistent cough
- Chest tightness
- Retrosternal chest soreness
- Breathing discomfort
- Severe weakness
Doctors note that many patients continue to experience fatigue even after their fever subsides, requiring adequate rest, hydration, and proper nutrition for recovery. Continuous Rains Trigger Dengue-Like Illnesses.
Continuous Wet Weather Creating Ideal Conditions for Seasonal Diseases
Medical experts believe continuous rains trigger dengue risks by creating stagnant water that serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The combination of high humidity and fluctuating temperatures is also contributing to the spread of viral infections throughout the city.
Health officials have advised residents to remain especially cautious, as children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with low immunity are more susceptible to severe illness.
Government Hospitals Prepared for Seasonal Disease Outbreak
The Telangana Health Department has assured citizens that government healthcare facilities are fully equipped to handle the seasonal rise in illnesses.
Director of Public Health, Telangana, Dr. B. Ravinder Nayak, said adequate arrangements have been made at Basthi Dawakhanas and government hospitals.
“We have made proper preparations at Basthi Dawakhanas for seasonal diseases. We urge people to visit government hospitals and get treatment instead of ending up paying out of pocket in private nursing homes and clinics.”
He urged residents not to ignore persistent fever, respiratory symptoms, or body pain and to seek timely medical care instead of relying on self-medication.
Doctors Advise Early Treatment and Preventive Measures
With continuous rains trigger dengue concerns continuing across Hyderabad, doctors are advising residents to adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Health experts recommend:
- Seeking medical attention if fever lasts more than two days.
- Avoiding self-medication and unnecessary antibiotic use.
- Drinking clean and safe water to stay hydrated.
- Eating freshly prepared and hygienic food.
- Eliminating stagnant water around homes and workplaces.
- Using mosquito repellents and wearing full-sleeved clothing.
- Maintaining proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
- Taking adequate rest during recovery.
Doctors say early diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent complications associated with viral infections and dengue-like illnesses.
Health Department Closely Monitoring the Situation
Health authorities are continuously monitoring the increase in seasonal illnesses through government hospitals and Basthi Dawakhanas.
Officials have assured residents that medicines and healthcare services are readily available at public hospitals and urged people not to panic. They emphasized that anyone experiencing persistent fever, severe body pain, breathing difficulties, or dengue-like symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
With monsoon conditions expected to continue, authorities have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, maintain cleanliness around their homes, and cooperate with public health measures to prevent the spread of seasonal diseases.