Another major cause of concern in the residents of Ranchi is the rising number of patients with dengue-like symptoms in hospitals around Ranchi, owing to the increasing rate of dengue. Although the number of officially confirmed dengue cases has not exceeded two cases till now in July, physicians are stating that out of every 20 patients coming to the hospitals, a single patient is experiencing the symptoms normally characterizing dengue fever, i.e., a high temperature, body aches, and fatigue.
This unprecedented rise in symptomatic patients has resulted in a platelet shortage, prompting concerns as to whether the city is gearing up for a probable outbreak or is just enduring ordinary viral infections that resemble those of dengue.
Medics at various hospitals have reported that their patients are coming in terms of fever, muscle pain, weakness, and incidences of rashes, which are common symptoms of dengue. Yet, very little has been confirmed in the laboratory or field tests, indicating that most of them might be characterized under seasonal viral fevers with which dengue shares the same symptoms.
Even though the number of confirmations are low, the requests of transfusion of platelets have risen by a factor of four during the last two weeks. The increase in demand has caused hospitals to stock up since family members of patients are insisting on early treatments and preventions to avoid any potential dengue complications. There is a degree of over-prescriptions by many doctors who have issued the prescribing platelet counts with even minor fevers as a precaution, which has caused more cases of anxiety and pressure on the blood banks.
According to a general physician, Dr. S.K. Prasad, in Ranchi, it is also good to be cautious but too much panic over platelets can paralyze hospitals. The majority of the patients being treated by us do not exhibit a very low level of platelets. However, panic has led to more need of transfusions as he put it.
The situation is also being closely followed by the health authorities. Although they have already assured that no outbreak has been established, they have not excluded the effects of a dengue outbreak in the case that preventive precautions are not taken during the monsoon season, when mosquito breeding is the highest.
At the same time, municipal employees have been instructed to step up anti-larvae campaigns and fogging activities in residential places and especially in places where several dengue-like infections have been noted. There is also an increase in the public awareness campaigns to create awareness among citizens on the need to clean the stagnant water, cover the water containers and apply mosquito repellants.
Hospitals have been requested to report all suspected cases of dengue instantly, whether or not the cases have been clinically verified by lab tests. This is to make sure that any possible cluster is monitored early enough and control measures can be put in motion fast.
The citizens are being encouraged to avoid panicking but watchful. Every person with persistent high temperature, joint problem or exhaustion should go to a doctor within two days and be checked. Unwarranted platelet transfusions are being prevented unless it is medically necessary.
Such cases (be it dengue, or seasonal viral infections) are bound to increase as and when the monsoon progresses, at Ranchi. The upcoming weeks are going to be very important in the event that the ongoing trend turns into an outbreak or is brought under control with prompt movement.
