Expect rains in Telangana till September 14; protect yourself from viral fevers
As the monsoon season embraces Hyderabad, a concerning surge in viral fevers, dengue, and malaria cases has gripped the city
By Anoushka Caroline Williams Published on 10 Sep 2023 10:06 AM GMTHyderabad: Telangana residents are urged to keep their umbrellas handy and stay weather-aware as the state gears up for a change in weather patterns over the next week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather forecast, and it appears that rain and thunderstorms are on the horizon.
Day 1 (September 10): Light to moderate rain or thundershowers
Today marks the start of a series of weather changes expected to impact Telangana. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely to occur in many places across the state. While not a deluge, residents should prepare for wet conditions.
Specifically, districts like Mancherial, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Peddapally, and several others are under a Yellow Alert, indicating the possibility of heavy rain at isolated places. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are forecasted to hit certain areas. Caution is advised, especially for those in the mentioned districts.
Day 2 (September 11): A few places will witness rain
On the second day of the forecast, the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease slightly. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at a few places across Telangana. Although not as widespread as the previous day, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepare for potential rainfall.
Day 3 (September 12): More scattered showers
Day 3 mirrors the weather conditions of Day 2, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers expected at a few places. It is essential for Telangana residents to stay updated on the weather conditions in their specific areas and have rain gear ready.
Day 4 (September 13): Showers persist
The weather forecast for Day 4 remains consistent, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers anticipated at a few places across the state. This trend indicates that a period of unsettled weather is likely to persist.
Day 5 (September 14): Heavy rainfall in isolated areas
Looking ahead to the fifth day, there is a forecast for heavy rain at isolated places in districts such as Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, and more. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may also occur in some areas, so residents are advised to take precautions.
Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest weather information and be prepared for varying conditions, from light rain to thunderstorms. Additionally, farmers should take measures to protect their crops during this wet spell. As weather conditions can change rapidly, it is vital to remain vigilant and prioritise safety during this period.
Monsoon in Hyderabad triggers rise in viral fevers
As the monsoon season embraces Hyderabad, a concerning surge in viral fevers, dengue, and malaria cases has gripped the city. Health authorities are grappling with an increasing number of patients reporting high fever, body aches, and other symptoms, with many experiencing persistent illnesses lasting for over a week. In recent weeks, Hyderabad has experienced heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging in several areas.
The stagnant water, combined with warm temperatures, has created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquito, which is responsible for the transmission of dengue fever. This has caused a significant uptick in viral infections and mosquito-borne diseases.
Dengue cases on the rise
Hospitals across the city are witnessing a surge in dengue cases. Patients are flocking to healthcare facilities with symptoms such as high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, rashes, and bleeding tendencies.
Health experts have cautioned that the dengue virus is spreading rapidly, and immediate measures are required to curb its transmission. Dr Swathi Reddy, a local physician, stated, āWe have seen a notable increase in dengue cases this year, particularly among children and the elderly. It is crucial for individuals to take preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, repellents, and eliminating stagnant water around their homes.ā
Additionally, Hyderabad is witnessing a resurgence of malaria cases, mainly due to the proliferation of the Anopheles mosquito in waterlogged areas. Malaria symptoms, including high fever, chills, and sweating are causing considerable distress among residents.
Health department sets up fever clinics
The Telangana Health Department has initiated a series of measures to combat the rising cases of viral fevers, dengue, and malaria. These include increased vector control activities, public awareness campaigns on mosquito-borne diseases, and setting up fever clinics to promptly diagnose and treat patients.
Dr Arjun Kumar, a senior health official, emphasised, āPrevention is the best strategy in controlling these diseases. Residents should take steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes and seek medical attention if they experience persistent fever. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.ā
Local community organisations and volunteers have also joined hands with health authorities to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and taking precautions against mosquito bites. They are distributing pamphlets and organising cleanliness drives to eliminate breeding sites.
As Hyderabad grapples with this health crisis amid the monsoon season, residents are urged to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their health. Proper sanitation practices, mosquito control measures, and seeking medical attention for persistent fevers are essential steps in combating these diseases.
The combined efforts of healthcare professionals, government agencies, and the community will be instrumental in curbing the spread of viral fevers, dengue, and malaria and ensuring the well-being of Hyderabadās residents during this challenging time.