Covid no longer tormentor, Hyderabad plagued by diarrhoea, dengue | Hyderabad News

HYDERABAD: There has been a steep rise in seasonal diseases like typhoid, diarrhoea and dengue in the state, said Telangana health authorities on Tuesday. However, they added that Covid-19 is no longer a threat and has now become endemic.
In the first 10 days of July, 6,000 cases of acute diarrhoea were registered and 600 cases of moderate diarrhoea were reported, said Dr G Srinivasa Rao, director public health. These are in addition to a large number of dengue and typhoid cases.

Expecting a surge in cases of seasonal diseases as well as an overlap in symptoms with Covid-19, the official said tests must be done to judge symptoms. He added that basic precautions must be taken such as wearing masks, preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding consumption of contaminated food and water.
Linking increased seasonal diseases to incessant rain over a week, Rao instructed hospitals to be prepared for admissions in case of a surge in severe cases. “Typhoid cases have been rising steeply. We have seen 2,797 cases in May and 2,752 cases in June and July so far. Dengue cases are already being reported in huge numbers and is spreading in almost all districts with 565 cases being registered in June alone and 222 in the first 10 days of July. In addition, 203 cases of malaria have been reported since January,” said Rao.
While stating that cases of severe dengue are on the rise, the director public health said patients with even 10,000-20,000 platelet count can be treated and there was no need to panic. “While dengue is entirely vector-borne disease, typhoid can be easily avoided if people start taking precautions and avoid consuming untreated water. I urge owners of street food outlets (bandis) to ensure they are serving treated water, hot and fresh food,” he said.
Speaking about the Covid-19 virus, the official said, “Corona virus had become like a seasonal disease and we do not need to worry about it anymore. Currently more than 5,000 active cases are there in the state, of which only 50 are in hospitals. Deaths have reached zero. However, elderly, pregnant women and chronically ill patients should take precautions and complete vaccination.”