Pune: Civic and private hospitals have reported an increase in vector-borne infections due to stagnant water and high humidity fuelling mosquito breeding across the city amid rains.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials said they had intensified anti-larval drives and fogging at identified hotspots to curb a further spread, even as doctors advised immediate medical attention for high fever, rashes or severe pain. Authorities have urged residents to clear puddles, cover stored water, use mosquito nets and repellents, stay hydrated and seek early testing.PMC assistant health officer Dr Rajesh Dighe said, ”In the first half of Aug, 234 suspected dengue cases and 13 laboratory confirmed cases were reported. In July, there were a total of 323 suspected cases and 12 confirmed ones. We have also seen a jump in chikungunya cases. Seven cases were reported within the first fortnight of Aug, compared to one in July. We have been issuing notices to commercial and residential establishments with evident lacunae in measures to prevent mosquito breeding.”Private hospitals have also seen a surge in the number of patients coming in with fever, body ache, weakness and other flu-like symptoms over the last few weeks. Consultant of internal medicine at Jupiter Hospital Dr Vineet Rao said, “Dengue and chikungunya remain important concerns during monsoon, alongside malaria and other infections that can cause similar symptoms. It is important to be alert and not brush off a persistent or high fever as just a viral. It is particularly essential in case of children, elderly people and pregnant women or those with diabetes and other underlying conditions as they are more vulnerable to complications and may need closer monitoring.”Consultant in paediatrics and neonatology at Surya Mother & Child Super Specialty Hospital Dr Jayant Khandare said, “We have seen many cases of dengue recently. It can worsen as the fever begins to settle. Persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, unusual drowsiness or restlessness require urgent medical review. Chikungunya often causes severe joint pain that may continue after the fever. We monitor infants, pregnant women and patients with underlying illnesses especially closely. Since the infections can appear similar initially, suspected chikungunya should be managed as dengue until dengue is excluded. Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.”Patients with high-grade or persistent fever, significant dehydration, severe body or joint pain or symptoms that are worsening should consult a doctor at the earliest, advised experts.Dr Amit Tungenwar, consultant physician at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said, “It is important to understand that a low platelet count alone does not determine severity of dengue. Patients should not panic or self-medicate. The overall clinical condition, hydration status and presence of warning signs are important to determine the need for hospitalisation. Prevention remains important during monsoon. People should remove stagnant water from around their homes and workplaces, use protective clothing and keep water-storage containers properly covered. Early medical consultation, appropriate monitoring and preventive measures can go a long way to reduce complications from these infections.”
