Following heavy rainfall, the city of Hyderabad is experiencing an increase in seasonal diseases, particularly conjunctivitis. Major hospitals, including Osmania, Fever, and other Basti Dawakhanas, have seen a rise in the number of out-patients seeking medical attention.
In recent days, the number of out-patients in major city hospitals has nearly doubled, which medical professionals attribute to the changing weather. Hospitals such as Fever Hospital at Barkatpura, Osmania, Gandhi, and others have long queues of patients with symptoms like cold, cough, throat pain, loose motions, vomiting, and dengue-like symptoms in approximately two out of every ten patients.
According to official sources, Osmania had 900 outpatients over the last weekend and 2,000 on Monday alone. The Fever Hospital had 400 outpatients with a single case of dengue and 70 inpatients. Gandhi Hospital had 2,000 outpatients and five cases of dengue. A senior official predicts that the number of patients with seasonal diseases will increase after the rain stops.
Conjunctivitis cases have also surged in the city, with patients lining up at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital and other clinics. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common infection that spreads rapidly during the rainy season. Symptoms include swelling and redness inside the eyelid, as well as itchiness and pain. The infection can be easily transmitted from person to person.
Sarojini Hospital has seen double-digit numbers of conjunctivitis patients daily, with over 450 cases in the past week. The Basti Dawakhanas in the city have also been crowded with people seeking treatment.
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a senior pediatrician, warns that many children are developing infectious conjunctivitis. Symptoms include itchiness, redness, discharge from the eyes, and difficulty looking at light. Severe pain, blurred vision, or inability to tolerate light require urgent medical attention.
Dr. Sivaranjani advises practicing strict hand hygiene, washing hands regularly, and avoiding touching the eyes frequently. It is also important to avoid sharing towels, bed sheets, and toys with infected individuals to prevent the spread of germs. Consult a doctor as needed and complete any prescribed antibiotic eye drops as instructed.
