Hyderabad: The city is witnessing a rise in fevers, water-borne and respiratory illnesses in the aftermath of the recent downpours, particularly in Shaheennagar, Hakeempet, Tolichowki, Pahadishareef and Rajendranagar.A surveillance report covering more than 2,000 patients across 12 primary health centres (PHCs) on August 16 found fever cases accounted for 67.5 per cent of all outpatient visits, up 12 per cent since August 12. Viral fevers, including dengue with platelet drop, are being reported in Shaheennagar, Kishanbagh and Rajendranagar. Although no sharp week-on-week spike has been noted, doctors said the trend requires strict monitoring over the next two weeks. “Such cases are reported every year and are not unusual. Between January and March 2025, the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control recorded 267 dengue cases and 83 chikungunya cases in Telangana, along with several malaria cases. The Union government even reported a nine-fold rise in chikungunya cases in early 2025, a claim strongly contested by the state health department, which cited much lower figures. This mismatch complicates accurate disease tracking and public communication,” said Dr Ramanjaneyulu Erukulla, a senior gastroenterologist. Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) has seen a sharp rise, with cases increasing from 172 on August 12 to 292 on August 16 across PHCs. High numbers were reported from Shaheennagar, Pahadishareef and Rajendranagar, where poor drainage and contaminated water are driving infections. Dr Erukulla said sporadic cases of viral hepatitis A, C and jaundice are also surfacing. “In urban areas, people are at least aware of vector-borne diseases and seek treatment early. Dengue is increasingly presenting with AGE-like symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. But what we often forget are simple practices like hand hygiene. Hands are the dirtiest part of the body. Even in temples, when you take prasad, do you check if your hands are clean? Maintaining hygiene in our surroundings is equally important,” he explained. Enteric fever (typhoid) cases have also risen, with 52 patients, mostly from Hakeempet and Tolichowki. Salmonella typhi was confirmed in three cases, prompting recommendations for a targeted typhoid vaccination drive in the area. Respiratory illnesses, including colds, coughs and lower respiratory tract infections, are showing a seasonal surge, attributed to post-rain humidity and influenza circulation. Doctors have called for strengthened water, sanitation and hygiene measures, intensified fogging in ShaheennNagar and Pahadishareef, and distribution of chlorine tablets in Hakeempet, Tolichowki and Rajendranagar. Clinics need to be stocked with oral rehydration salts, zinc supplements and rapid diagnostic kits for typhoid and dengue, while SMS alerts in local languages should advise households to boil water and maintain hand hygiene. Health professionals cautioned that respiratory illnesses may rise further in the next two weeks and stressed the need for urgent community-level interventions to prevent escalation.
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