Pune: As the monsoon rains take a pause, stagnant water is fuelling mosquito breeding across the city. PMC has reported over 400 suspected dengue cases and 14 chikungunya cases in August alone. Meanwhile, private hospitals have noted a steady rise in infections across all age groups.Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified anti-larval drives and fogging in identified hotspots to counter mosquito breeding. Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer, PMC, said, “So far this year, we have recorded 1,231 suspected dengue cases and 47 confirmed positive cases. Additionally, 21 chikungunya cases have been reported so far this year. Since the monsoon began, our teams have been deployed on the ground. Whenever a positive patient is reported, the PMC sends a team to conduct containment activities around the patient’s residence to prevent further transmission.”Physicians said patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or cancer, are at higher risk for complications and often require hospitalisation. In contrast, the majority of dengue and chikungunya patients are currently being treated on an outpatient (OPD) basis.Dr Dattatraya B. Patil, consultant physician at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said, “Of the total patients visiting our OPD, 15–20% are testing positive for dengue. Chikungunya cases are also surfacing. Most dengue patients present with high-grade fever, pain behind the eyes, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, and loose motions. Patients with low blood pressure, profound weakness, dehydration, altered sensorium, breathing difficulties, or bleeding manifestations, along with those having low platelet counts or comorbidities, may require admission.”Doctors also cautioned against delaying medical consultation. Dr Vineet Rao, consultant, internal medicine, Jupiter Hospital, said, “We are seeing many people visiting the hospital only after 3–4 days of fever and weakness, sometimes after self-medicating at home. By then, we have to look beyond just the fever.”He added, “A critical issue we have observed is that a falling fever can provide a false sense of relief. In dengue, that is actually the time we need to monitor the patient more closely, as complications can develop even after the temperature drops. I advise people not to panic at the first sign of fever, but at the same time, refrain from treating it at home for several days without professional advice.”Health experts emphasised the importance of early testing, bed rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet. Dr Nakul Pathak, paediatric intensive care and emergency consultant at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, said, “For fever and pain, paracetamol is preferred until dengue is ruled out. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen should be avoided, as they can significantly increase the risk of bleeding in dengue patients.”
