Mid-Day

Mumbai, Jun 14: The dry spell in the weather over the past 10 days after the early onset of monsoon has affected the health of Mumbaikars. Hospitals and dispensaries have witnessed a spurt in cases of viral fever over the past week.

Dr Ashish Tiwari of Bombay Hospital said, “We have seen at least a 30 per cent rise in the number of fever cases. More than 50 patients were admitted in the out patients department (OPD) of the hospital in the past week.” 

‘Seasonal trends’

Tiwari said changes in the weather conditions and Mumbai’s teeming population was responsible for the spread of the viral infection. “Present temperature conditions (30-35 degree Celsius) are ideal for the virus to multiply rapidly.”

Dr ME Yeolekar, dean of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Sion, said, “These are seasonal trends. The occasionally cloudy and then sunny conditions can lead to viral infections in the upper and the lower respiratory tract.”

He added, “On an average 250 patients visit our OPD. Of them, there are 25 cases of viral fever in adults and 15 cases among children.”

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of viral fever are persistent fever, sore throat, body ache and weakness. “Most patients avoid visiting a doctor thinking they suffer from benign fever. This could be dangerous, as viral fever can sometimes come with secondary infections like bronchitis, bronchio-pneumonia, cold and cough,” said Dr Yeolekar.

He, however, added, “There was no need to panic. The fever can be cured with medication and rest within three to five days.”
 
Dos and Dont’s
- Avoid junk and oily food
- Drink lots of water
- Do not skip meals
- Eat plenty of fruits
- Do not get wet in the rain