Amid rain, viral fever & gastro cases rise in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: As the city continues to receive showers, doctors are observing a 30-40% spike in viral fever cases — mostly among young adults (aged 25 to 40) and children, who tend to get drenched in heavy rain and also eat out frequently.
Gaurav P, a business analyst at an MNC, began suffering from high fever with chills, severe bodyache and headache a few days ago. He immediately got himself tested for Covid-19 and was told that it was, in fact, viral fever. “I got wet in the rain two days in a row and fell ill the next day. I’m glad that we only have to work from office twice a week for now,” the Peenya resident said.
Dr NG Kanchan, physician and diabetologist, Specialist Hospital, said in the past few days, the hospital witnessed a 40% increase in patients with viral fever, with anywhere between 30 and 40 cases daily.
“The change in weather conditions in the city, rapidly fluctuating from very hot to very cold and wet, has been one of the primary factors. Increased mobility of people and a drastic reduction in the wearing of masks have also added to the spike. Additionally, improper water storage and garbage disposal cause a rise in arthropod-borne viral fevers,” he said.
Dr SN Aravinda, consultant-internal medicine, Aster RV Hospital, is also seeing 2-3 admissions for viral fever a day. “... people are eating more street food now and this is leading to a rise in gastro issues. People are getting drenched in suddden heavy showers and there is exposure to mosquitoes, which is leading to the spread of other diseases, such as dengue, that also result in fever-like symptoms,” he said.
Dr Basavaraj Kuntoji, consultant- internal medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Malleswaram, said they are also anticipating a spike in mosquito-borne infections such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya fever after the rain stops.
He added that if symptoms such as body pain, back pain, and headache continue for more than two days, people must consult a doctor.