Spread of airborne viruses increases fever cases in city

Spread of airborne viruses increases fever cases in city

Nov 19, 2014, 04.55PM IST TNN[ R Gokul ]
TOI Trichy


TRICHY: For the past two weeks, a large number of people were down with viral fever in the city. Doctors attributed the spread of airborne viruses to the increase in number of fever cases.

According to the daily report provided to the health wing of the Trichy Corporation, around 15 to 30 cases of fever were reported in both private and government hospitals. Nine urban health centres (UHP) under the city corporation have been witnessing six to 10 fever cases daily for the past two weeks.

"Normally, two to three cases of fever were reported in UHPs. But the climate change and airborne diseases have increased the cases," said Dr S Mariappan, city health officer (CHO), Trichy Corporation.

Fever cases are more prevalent in the city during November and December every year. According to an official in the health wing of the corporation, optimum climate boost the spread of airborne virus in these months in the city. At least 1% of the city's population suffers from seasonal fever every year.

Fever and cold coupled with cough last for nearly five days leading to uneasiness. The doctors advise the patients to take rest for at least three days besides taking medications. The consumption of boiled water also helps in not being afflicted with the viral fever.

The spread of virus could not be stopped due to the lack of protective measure among the affected people. Doctors advise the people to cover their mouth while coughing. The physicians also advise them to be in isolation to get cured and to avoid spreading the disease to others.

However, some doctors in the city claim that fever cases were less this year compared to last year, thanks to the awareness among the people.

"Fever cases were high in previous years because many were not health conscious. But the situation has changed now after people started focussing on their health condition," said Dr MA Aleem, vice-principal, KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College (KAPVGMC).