High incidence of viral fevers in Visakhapatnam due to recent rains, say officials

High incidence of viral fevers in Visakhapatnam due to recent rains, say officials

Authorities concerned, including Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation’s (GVMC) Public Health Department, have admitted that viral fevers are extremely high in Visakhapatnam city. Common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat and running nose.

People infected with viral fevers should isolate themselves from crowded places, offices and public gatherings to avoid spreading disease to others, the officials said.

Otherwise, droplets from patients may come into contact with another healthy person in the form of coughing, sneezing, touching hands or passing droplets through the air by the patient.

“The incidence of viral fevers is very high due to the recent rains and people ignoring basic safety measures,” said GVMC Chief Medical Officer Naresh Kumar.

Visakhapatnam District Medical & Health Department Officer Jagadeshwara Rao said that recent weather conditions like incessant rains in the city are the major reason for the increase in the number of viral fevers. People are coming to government-run King George Hospital or private or corporate hospitals for tests or medicines.

Instead, they can approach the nearest Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHC) for all the tests free of cost, he said.

“The government is conducting a total of 72 medical tests free of charge in 66 UPHCs in the city. But, people are running around KGH or any other private hospitals for those tests. So we are telling the staff to create awareness among the people about the facilities provided by the government. I am also informing people about the severity of viral fevers and the tests to be done in UPHCs through FM radio. Lack of information and awareness among people about viral fevers is also one of the main reasons for its spread,” Dr. Jagadeshwara Rao told The Hindu.