Why Delhi hospitals are seeing a spike in viral illnesses, cholera, typhoid

Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said he has been seeing patients with fever and water-borne diseases. “The number of people with viral infections has been on the rise. Quite a few patients of enteric fever, malaria, or throat and chest infections are being treated in the hospital,” he said.

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said that patients from Delhi and nearby areas are visiting the OPD with influenza and upper respiratory tract infections. Some have also sought treatment for dengue, along with cases of cholera and gastroenteritis. “There have been typhoid cases as well,” he added.

He explained that the cough following an influenza infection among patients is taking longer to resolve due to pollution and weakened immunity levels.

Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital, said they have seen a significant rise in seasonal illnesses. “Dengue cases have increased by nearly 20%, which is a matter of concern given the rapid spread and complications the infection can cause if not treated on time. Alongside this, we are also seeing a 30% spike in water-borne diseases, including gastroenteritis, typhoid, and other infections, largely due to contaminated water and poor hygiene practices during the monsoon,” she added.

She said this pattern is not unusual for the season, but the numbers are certainly higher compared to the previous month. The community needs to remain cautious by using clean drinking water, preventing mosquito breeding, and seeking medical care early if symptoms like persistent fever, body ache, vomiting, or loose motions occur, Dr Jain said. Early detection and timely treatment are key to reducing complications and ensuring recovery.

At the MCD-run Bara Hindu Rao Hospital, a fever clinic has been started. Medical superintendent Dr Anand Narnolia said there has been a surge in fever and water-borne diseases in the OPD as well. “We have enough stock of medicines for fever and other water-borne diseases,” he added.

Dr Sumit Ray, Medical Superintendent at Holy Family Hospital, said there have been cases of dengue, but not too many. But he said the hospital has seen several patients with Influenza A, gastroenteritis, and cases of hepatitis. “Some patients have also been admitted to the ICU due to influenza and gastroenteritis cases. These are predominantly elderly patients,” he said.