Fumigation and fogging activities to tackle vector-borne diseases
The first 15 days of Oct have already seen 429 suspected dengue cases, compared to 508 cases reported in the entire month of Sept and 484 cases in Aug, according to data from Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) health department. Since Jan, the city has recorded over 2,000 suspected cases, 97 confirmed cases, and 35 chikungunya cases. Altogether 32 cases of typhoid were reported in Sept.
Because the number of patients needing hospitalisation is much higher this time, most hospitals are reporting at least a one-to-two-day waiting period. some insist on hospitalisation due to comorbidities, while others arrive late with complications that mandate admission While most patients are treated at the OPD level.
“Dengue and typhoid are primary infections leading to a scarcity of beds,” said Dr Piyush Chaudhari, an infectious diseases expert and practicing consultant at multiple hospitals. Along with dengue, typhoid is also leading to a shortage of hospital beds. ” The recovery period prolongs significantly when patients seek care after complications have already set in, said Dr Aparna Kodre, an internal medicine specialist at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre. “Seasonal infections like dengue, chikungunya, influenza, and other viral illnesses are contributing heavily to increased hospital admissions,” said Dr Vaishali Pathak, consultant in internal medicine at Sahyadri Hospitals, Deccan Gymkhana.
Pune: City hospitals have been grappling with a sustained dengue burden for the past three months, with general wards, private rooms, and emergency departments remaining heavily occupied by patients. Prolonged recovery period of several individuals has delayed planned surgeries in some hospitals, while others have been forced to prioritise admissions, advising less severe patients to remain on bed rest and maintain hydration at home. “We are surely seeing a spurt in dengue cases—much more this month compared to the last two months, and even compared to last Oct. Hospitals are reportedly prioritising high-risk cases for admission—particularly those exhibiting warning signs, falling platelet counts, or complications—while deferring non-emergency surgical procedures. Dr Chaudhari added, “If we have two patients, one who is younger with no comorbidities or major symptoms and another who is older with comorbidities, we have to prioritise patients accordingly. “Dengue cases are flowing in more rapidly every single day. Second-time infections or complicated symptoms mixed with comorbidities take longer to resolve, occupying beds for extended periods. Even a typical dengue patient takes no less than three to four days to recover completely, and in cases with complications, recovery can take seven to eight days. We can only discharge a patient once their platelet count returns to normal, which takes time. Dr. Sujata Rege, another infectious diseases expert, agreed that the disease is putting immense pressure on healthcare infrastructure. “Dengue is definitely keeping city hospital beds occupied this season. A lot of patients are being admitted for dengue or dengue-like symptoms. others reach the hospital only when complications start cropping up While some choose to come in as soon as a fever kicks in. We have noticed that this time, dengue fever is taking a lot of time to resolve, which is why discharges are delayed. ” Doctors noted that this continuous inflow of patients, combined with slow discharge rates, has left little breathing room for routine elective procedures. The situation has also heightened pressure on emergency rooms, where patients requiring assessment and admission face longer waiting times. “Elderly patients and those with comorbidities are particularly vulnerable. Admissions are prioritised based on clinical severity, complications, and availability of beds. Most uncomplicated cases recover within a few days, while severe infections may require prolonged hospitalisation. Timely medical consultation, early diagnosis, and preventive measures can help reduce complications and prevent unnecessary admissions.”