Dengue, malaria, hepatitis on the prowl in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: In the past 20 days, Civil Hospital in the city alone recorded 45 cases of dengue, 21 cases of chikungunya, 32 cases of malaria, 120 cases of hepatitis, and 87 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Moreover, the hospital has 14 patients with swine flu including a 4-year-old child, and 11 patients with Covid.

While city hospitals are accustomed to the cycle of seasonal diseases, including viral fever and vector-borne diseases, this year has seen a rise of almost all possible diseases including vector-borne, gastro-intestinal, and viral. Officials at Sola Civil Hospital said that they have one patient each suffering from Covid and swine flu.

“In the past fortnight, we have recorded 35 cases of dengue and 50 cases of malaria. Generally, the intensity of vector-borne diseases increases around September. However, due to rains, we are seeing an early onset this year. Swine flu cases have also spiked a bit early,” said an official.

Dr Dilip Gadhavi, president of Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA), said that the overcast sky and rains at regular intervals have caused viral, vector-borne, and water-borne diseases.

“While Covid cases are still on, swine flu cases have seen a rise in the past one month across the state. Moreover, accumulation of water is causing other diseases. It's advisable to have yourself checked if you get sustained fever for two days or more,” he said.

“Both dengue and malaria cases are on the rise in the OPDs at general practitioners in the city. In areas where the water accumulation is high, we are also seeing diarrhoea cases. It's important to avoid stale food, drink treated water, and use mosquito repellent during this season. We may see a further rise in vector-borne diseases,” said Dr Kamlesh Naik, president of Ahmedabad Family Physicians Association.