Surat News: Disease outbreak spreads in Surat; rise in cases of dengue, malaria, cold, and cough in OPD

Disease Outbreak in Surat

At Surat’s new Civil Hospital, long queues of patients can be seen. The medicine OPD is overcrowded, and the number of cases is expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Health Minister has directed hospital authorities to ensure all facilities and arrangements are in place. With rain on one side and a nip in the air on the other, people are falling sick due to this double-season effect.

30% Rise in Patients with Cold, Cough, and Fever

General practitioners across various areas of Surat have reported a 30% increase in patients suffering from cold, cough, and fever over the past two weeks. Normally, around 50 patients visit per day, but the number has now risen to 70–80. Most cases include cold, cough, fever, headache, and body weakness. In the last five days, nearly 90% of cases have been viral infections.

Weekly Cleaning of Water Containers Advised

The Health Department has issued preventive guidelines against mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Citizens are advised to release guppy fish into ponds, lakes, drains, and canals to destroy mosquito larvae. Water accumulated around or inside the house, including on terraces, should be emptied once a week. Household water containers should also be emptied, dried, and refilled weekly.

Use of Mosquito Nets Recommended

Authorities have advised using mosquito nets while sleeping at night. When stepping outdoors during the day, people should wear full-sleeved clothing and shoes to avoid mosquito bites. It is also recommended to dispose of garbage, plastic waste, and scrap materials properly before the rains to prevent water stagnation and mosquito breeding, as stated by the Chief District Health Officer, District Panchayat, Botad.

Appeal to Consume Hot and Fresh Food

People are urged to add chlorine tablets to drinking water and use boiled or chlorinated water. The health department is promoting awareness about hygiene, use of ORS for sick patients, and disease prevention. Citizens are advised to wash hands with soap before eating, prevent fly infestation by keeping surroundings clean, cover food properly, and always consume hot and freshly prepared meals.