Hyderabad Hospitals see surge in child deaths due to viral infections

Hyderabad: The state-run hospitals are facing a troubling rise in child infections and related fatalities. Since the start of the month, Niloufer Hospital has reported nearly 10 child fatalities daily due to severe viral infections.  

As per a media report in the Times of India, during a visit to the hospital, there was a long line of anxious parents waited to admit their children, who were suffering from high fevers, blistered skin, and persistent coughs. As per their report, Mohid Nizam who is a father of a five-year-old daughter has stated, "My daughter has been running a high temperature for the past eight days and is not able to eat at all. She keeps throwing up, both food and water." Another parent, Nazia Begum who is a mother of an eighteen-month-old son, held him in her arms and said, "My boy is running a high temperature and his legs and arms appear to be swollen. I am very worried."   

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Doctors have indicated that the viral load is just beginning to rise and is expected to peak in the coming months. Dr Gaurav Kumar reported that nearly a hundred admissions are occurring daily, despite it being only August, with expectations for the peak by October. He also highlighted that untreated viral fevers are leading to seizures and deaths, noting, "Currently, 10 to 15 deaths are being recorded each day this season. Many of these cases are critical after initial treatment at private hospitals has failed.

Several major factors have been identified as contributing to the spike in cases, including hygiene issues, close-quarter living, and water stagnation.  

Dr Gayatri observed that parents are not adhering to medical advice and are skipping necessary tests, which has led to infections manifesting on the skin, including scabies. Furthermore, pneumonia and complications related to premature birth are causing fatalities among children under five.

Dr Purna Chander, the hospital's resident medical officer, said, "Most cases are of viral origin. We are going for dengue and chikungunya serology to further study the cases."

Dr Ravi Kumar, the superintendent of the hospital, has highlighted that immediate care is often lacking for children during the critical 'danger period' between days three and five when platelet counts and blood pressure can drop rapidly. To address the high patient volume, more than 30 pediatric doctors are on duty daily.

In recent weeks, the Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Tropical and Communicable Diseases, widely known as Fever Hospital, has been grappling with a significant surge in cases. Over 700 instances of viral fever are being reported daily at the facility, with nearly 100 patients admitted for severe viral fevers and dengue each day. This alarming trend highlights the growing strain on the healthcare system, as medical staff work tirelessly to manage the influx of patients.

According to Dr Jaya Lakshmi, the resident medical officer at Fever Hospital, said, "Most cases are of dengue and other viral fevers, but there are cases of diphtheria and measles as well. If a case is severe, we refer it to Osmania Hospital.''

Dr Vani N, the Director of Medical Education, echoed these concerns, stating, "Many patients are arriving at government hospitals in critical condition. This late presentation worsens the situation, resulting in higher mortality rates." She added that the situation will be closely monitored, with continuous adjustments and improvements to the healthcare response as necessary.

As Hyderabad faces this challenging situation, efforts are concentrated on enhancing healthcare services and addressing the factors driving the increase in infections. Health authorities and medical professionals are dedicated to combating the crisis and reducing child infections and related fatalities in the city.

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