Chennai, Sept 16:
Ā Chennai and its suburbs are witnessing a rise in fever cases, with more than 2,000 people reporting fever symptoms over the past 10 days, prompting doctors and health officials to urge residents to take precautions against viral and mosquito-borne infections.
Dengue has been confirmed in 140 of the recent cases, while around 4,500 fever cases were recorded in the city during August, of which 160 were diagnosed as dengue. Several localities, including Adyar, Anna Nagar and Valasaravakkam, have reported a relatively high number of fever cases.
Doctors said the current fever cases are not due to a single infection. Viral fever and respiratory infections are being reported along with dengue, while influenza A, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also circulating.
Health Minister K G Arunraj recently said the State was closely monitoring H1N1 infections and urged people not to panic. He said H1N1 infections had peaked between May and August this year and that the government was examining the need for vaccination of vulnerable groups such as the elderly and pregnant women.
Following the seasonal rains, health authorities have also intensified surveillance for dengue, chikungunya, typhoid, leptospirosis and respiratory infections. Government hospitals have been instructed to set up fever wards and triage patients according to the severity of their symptoms.
Doctors said residents should not ignore a persistent fever or attempt self-medication without medical advice. āFever alone cannot determine the underlying infection. Testing is advised when necessary,ā said Dr Shankar.
Doctors have advised people to wear masks in crowded and poorly ventilated places, particularly when experiencing cough, cold or fever symptoms. Regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with others when unwell can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
Residents should also take steps to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes. Water should not be allowed to stagnate in flower pots, discarded containers, tyres, rooftops or other places where mosquitoes can breed. The use of mosquito repellents, nets and appropriate protective clothing is also advised.
People with fever should drink adequate fluids and get medical advice, particularly if the fever persists or symptoms worsen. Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with existing health problems require closer monitoring.
Doctors have warned that symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe headache, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, confusion, reduced urination, bleeding or signs of dehydration require prompt medical attention.
With Chennai entering another period of increased seasonal fever activity, doctors said simple preventive measures at the household and community levels, along with early medical consultation, remain important in containing the spread.