Fever Cases in Lucknow Surge 30% as Hospitals Struggle

The scorching heat in Lucknow has led to an alarming 30% surge in fever cases, leaving hospitals struggling to keep up with the overwhelming patient load. The city of Lucknow is currently witnessing a dramatic rise in viral infections, dengue, and malaria, causing widespread concern among medical professionals and residents alike. This uptick has been particularly noticeable over the past 15 days, prompting health experts to urge the public to practice vigilance and adopt preventive measures.

Outpatient departments in major hospitals, notably SPM Civil, Balrampur, Lokbandhu, and King George’s Medical University, are reporting a sharp increase in daily cases. From early September, the number of patients has spiked from approximately 150 to over 200 daily. One striking aspect of this surge is the rise in dengue cases, which were almost nonexistent until mid-August and are currently being reported at a rate of 10-15 cases per day. Additionally, malaria cases are also increasing, with 25-30 daily cases noted across the city’s hospitals.

This dire situation has resulted in a shortage of available hospital beds, leaving many patients waiting for admission amidst the overcrowded facilities. Alarmingly, these conditions are being exacerbated by the humid weather, which contributes to mosquito proliferation, combined with contaminated water and inadequate sanitation measures. As a result, diseases like dengue and typhoid are spreading rapidly throughout the city.

Dr. Ajay Sankar Tripathi, the medical superintendent of Lokbandhu hospital, has raised concerns about the risks of antibiotic overuse, which could lead to further complications like antimicrobial resistance. He stresses the importance of preventive actions, including maintaining good sanitation, controlling mosquito breeding, and ensuring that food and water are safe for consumption.

Adding to this discourse, Dr. N B Singh, Chief Medical Superintendent of Balrampur Hospital, emphasizes that prevention is crucial. He advocates for improved sanitation and hygiene practices, alongside mosquito control measures, to mitigate the risk of diseases such as dengue, typhoid, and bacterial infections.

Dr. Shiv Raj Singh from SPM Civil hospital highlights the need for a community-driven approach to combat the rising fever cases. He underscores the importance of public education on disease prevention, enhanced sanitation efforts, and equitable access to healthcare resources, which are vital to controlling this health crisis. The current situation in Lucknow is a stark reminder of the need for heightened public health preparedness and coordination to ensure community safety and well-being.