The atypically long rainy season is associated with increased cases of malaria in rural and dengue in urban areas. Although this year dengue is under control and malaria is almost negligible in the Vidarbha, Nagpur district of Maharashtra, doctors are saying that these conditions are now replaced with swine flu and scrub typhus.
On August 13, 17 cases of swine flu were reported in Nagpur district, of which 12 were from the city. This season a total of 100 cases of swine flu have been reported in Nagpur city. Among these cases, 50% of them were hospitalized. Even in rural and semi-urban areas, 40 patients were hospitalized. The hospitalization due to these conditions is much more than Covid hospitalization.
In Sevagram, Scrub typhus has replaced malaria. Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection which may affect the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and platelets. The major concern is the rapid growth of this infection. People in the ICU are rapidly developing meningitis, heart failure, pneumonitis, kidney failure and decreased platelet count.
The diagnosis of Scrub typhus is hampered in rural areas due to the following reasons:
Nonspecific clinical presentation
Lack of awareness
unaffordable diagnostics
Not-so-easy access to serological tests
Limited knowledge of the accuracy of the diagnostics
Besides, the Swine flu has turned out to be a public health emergency this year. The cases are rapidly rising, among which many are critical. Some doctors say that the surge cycle of swine flu is back. The surge cycle is seen every 3 years as we may lose immunity against the virus. The best way to prevent oneself from getting infected with swine flu is to get a flu vaccination.
BIBO's take:
Swine flu and Scrub typhus are infectious diseases. The best way to prevent these infections is to follow necessary precautionary measures and get yourself tested as soon as possible. If you have had a fever for more than 5 days, it is better to visit a doctor.
Furthermore, everyone should get a flu vaccine as soon as possible to prevent the occurrence and complications of Swine flu.
Reference:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/swine-flu-in-cities-scrub-typhus-in-rural-vidarbha/articleshow/93547847.cms
