Hyderabad: There has been a noticeable increase in viral fevers across the State. In recent days, the number of people affected by dengue and chikungunya has risen significantly. According to health authorities, over 6,400 cases of dengue were reported by the end of August.
Among the top ten districts at high risk for dengue are Hyderabad, Suryapet, Medchal Malkajgiri, Khammam, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Ranga Reddy, Jagtial, Sangareddy, and Warangal. Officials have tested 1,11,650 samples, finding 6,405 positive cases, which indicates a positivity rate of 5.7 percent.
Recent data from the Health Department shows that a week ago, the total number of dengue cases was 5,372. A senior health official mentioned that the number of cases is expected to decrease in the coming days. The positivity rate has already shown a downward trend, dropping from 6.5 percent a week ago to 5.7 percent now.
In addition to dengue, there has also been an increase in chikungunya cases this year. By August 31, a total of 3,614 samples had been tested for chikungunya, with 178 positive cases, which amounts to a 5 percent positivity rate. A week ago, there were 152 cases, and the positivity rate has remained steady at 5 percent.
There have also been some cases of malaria reported in the State. As of August 31, over 23.06 lakh samples were tested, with 200 positive cases, giving a positivity rate of 0.008 percent. The officials conducted a fever survey, visiting 4,17,433 households and screening 12,77,284 individuals. They detected 6,192 fever cases during this survey.
Health officials have advised the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. They recommend removing water from coolers and small containers at least once a week, using mosquito repellents during the day, and avoiding clothes that expose the limbs. Children should not play in shorts and half-sleeved clothing. Mosquito nets or repellents should be used while sleeping during the day, and stagnant water in drains, garbage, and coolers should be removed promptly, as it can become a breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha visited several hospitals in the city, including Gandhi and Kingkoti. He inspected the wards where patients with viral fevers are being treated and inquired about the facilities being provided to them.
