Rain could lead to spike in dengue, malaria: Doctors

Doctors also said there has been a sudden spurt in eye-infections, particularly conjunctivitis.

Children play in the rain on Friday. (Source: Express photo by Amit Mehra)

The recent spell of rain in the capital has led to a spurt in viral infections, especially influenza, common cold and conjunctivitis. While vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue saw a dip this year due to the delayed monsoon, doctors now foresee a spike due to the rains.

According to Dr Atul Gogia, Associate Consultant (Medicine) at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, cooler temperatures cause viruses to grow, leading to diseases such as influenza. “Now that the weather is cooler, there will be an automatic rise in flu cases. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body ache and fatigue. We have seen a sudden rise in cases of respiratory infection,” Gogia told Newsline.

Dr Romel Tickoo, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Max Hospital said in the past 10 days, there has been a rise in the number of patients of viral fever, gastroenteritis, viral hepatitis and respiratory tract infections.

Doctors also said there has been a sudden spurt in eye-infections, particularly conjunctivitis.

“Rains always increase chances of viral and bacterial infections. We have also seen cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Viral eye infections tend to go up due to humidity in this weather. One must wash hands frequently,” Dr Lopamudra Das, Senior Consultant (Ophthalmology) at Columbia Asia hospital in Gurgaon told Newsline.

Dengue and malaria cases, however, have been very less this year going by data received from municipal corporations.

Till August 30 this year, only 25 cases of malaria were reported including seven in August alone. Last year, 74 malaria cases were reported till August. MCD also recorded 33 cases of dengue till August, while the figure was 162 last year.

Pleasant weather continues

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Weather in the capital remained pleasant on Friday, with mercury dipping below normal levels, due to overcast skies and thundershowers in various parts of the city. The maximum temperature was around 34 degrees Celsius, whereas the minimum temperature recorded on Friday morning was 25.1 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal. 13.3 mm rainfall was recorded till 8.30 am today, the MeT department said. (ENS)

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