Infection
Weather Change Likely Driving Viral Fever Surge In Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka
Aug
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(IANS)
Cases of seasonal flu have been on the rise across India, with inexplicable viral outbreaks becoming increasingly more common of late. The flood-like conditions created by the incessant rains have further exacerbated the spread of infectious diseases in some states.
Fever, sometimes accompanied by a runny nose and sore throat, are being reported in hordes. And a troubling trend experts have noticed is that recovery is taking longer than usual, thereby making it essential to monitor the situation closely.
Paediatricians in Bengaluru have seen a spurt in viral fever and respiratory tract infections affecting one in ten school-going children, while cities like Kolkata, Guwahati and Kanpur have also seen a noticeable increase in viral infections. Kerala reported over one lakh viral fever cases in just the first 11 days of August.
A survey on the ongoing viral surge conducted by LocalCircles received more than 19,000 responses from Delhi NCR, Maharashtra and Karnataka residents. The results indicate that 16% of households in Maharashtra, 21% of the households in Delhi NCR and 33% in Karnataka presently have one or more individuals with viral or COVID-like symptoms.
Experts acknowledge that the monsoon trough shifting northwards and causing a change in the weather across India’s southern half from very rainy to barely rainy, while also triggering spike in temperatures, may have led to the rise in the number of patients with infectious disorders.
However, there’s a small chance that the other factor contributing to the upsurge in viral infections may well be COVID-related. The Omicron sub-strain EG.5.1 or ‘Eris’ has already been reported in several countries across the globe, including India. And the rapid spread of this subvariant in New York and the United Kingdom has been making waves recently.
Despite a few cases here and there, especially in Maharashtra, no major ‘clusters’ of the disease have been seen anywhere in the country so far. Even so, considering the risks associated with repeated COVID infections, it would be advisable to take precautions such as wearing masks in indoor public spaces, crowded outdoor spaces, observing social distancing and frequent hand sanitisation.
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