Begin typing your search...
Dengue cases among children double at ICH
The number of dengue cases has doubled at the Institute of Child Health with at least four cases being reported every day in the past week, said hospital authorities. More than 70 per cent of dengue cases in Chennai are being reported in children, said State Health Department officials.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
Paediatric cases are spurting at government hospitals in the city, with at least 10 cases of suspicious fever among children being recorded every day.
“Paediatric wards are overcrowded with more than 110 cases. More than half of them are fever cases. Soon after the rains, more cases started to come in. With only about 50 beds in the ward, it is difficult to manage almost double the patients,” said Dr Mohan Kumar, paediatrician, ICH.
“Children might refuse to breastfeed or take oral fluids as they start getting initial symptoms of dengue. Complaints of joint pain, fatigue and chills should be immediately checked with a doctor,” added
Dr Mohan.
Though the total number of confirmed dengue cases at ICH has reached 12, authorities said that there is no outbreak like situation as most of the cases were reported at an initial stage itself.
“Infants have low immunity and this is why most of the cases are being witnessed among them. Adolescents are also among the risk groups at schools and public places.
The numbers are comparatively lower than last year and we are planning to start a fever ward at the hospital within this month,” said Dr Jeyachandran, director, Institute of Child Health.
However, parents should refrain from giving injections for fever and giving over-the-counter drugs to children, added Dr Jeyachandran.
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android
Next Story
