Despite the increase in the number of cases of dengue this year, doctors in the city are not yet reaching for the panic button

Don’t hit that panic button yet: Docs

Despite the increase in the number of cases of dengue this year, doctors in the city are not yet reaching for the panic button. They assure that there is no reason to worry as due to the severity of the disease, patients are recovering within 10 days. Dr Mangala Gomare, head of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) epidemiology department, says, “There is a marginal increase in dengue cases from those in the year before. But, we have not found any new strain or change in symptoms through which dengue manifests itself.” She reveals that while last month, the BMC registered 242 cases of dengue, this month, the BMC has already registered 143 new cases. A total of 152 cases were reported in August. Doctors blame the spike in cases on the extended fluctuating weather accompanied by intermittent rains. Dr ND Moulick, head of the medicine department, LTMG Hospital at Sion, explains, “This time, there are few cases of malaria but more of dengue. Many dengue patients arrive in a state of shock due to the loss of fluid in body. The symptoms mimic those of malaria, but rashes are more typical. Several patients complain of severe headaches and pain behind the orbit of the eyes.” Dr Khusrav Bajan, consultant intensivist at PD Hinduja Hospital, which sees at least seven dengue cases every day, says there is no cause for alarm. “The cases are not too severe. People shouldn’t panic. But they should also not delay visiting a doctor.” Patients, advises Dr Pratit Samdhani, consultant physician at Jaslok Hospital, should rest well and stay hydrated.