Erratic weather leads to rise in viral fever cases among children

BENGALURU: Many children are falling sick due to the erratic weather in the state. The outpatient departments at several hospitals are flooded with cases of viral fever and 20-30 per cent of the patients are children.

While it is cool in the early mornings and nights, the temperature rises sharply during the daytime. Also, there is an increase in dust and mosquitoes. The most affected are children and the elderly who end up with symptoms like fever, cought, cold, headaches and lung infection. Viral fever can also spread easily from person to person.

Dr Ramya, a child specialist at KIMS, said, “The cases of viral fever among children are increasing. The temperature is usually high for 2-3 days and there is a 20-30 per cent rise in in-patient admissions at hospitals. While dengue cases are coming down, pneumonia and fever cases are increasing. Parents should not neglect if there are signs of fever, cough or cold. They should ensure there is no stagnant water near the house and should use mosquito nets”.

The virus spreads through food and water and doctors advising washing hands frequently. If children show any symptoms in school, they should use face masks and seek immediate medical attention, Dr Ramya added.

Things to keep in mind:

Seek medical attention in case of high fever.

Ensure there is no mosquito breeding aroung the house.

Use mosquito nets for children.

Keep children warm, wear clean clothes.

Avoid outside food, prefer home food.