Cases of viral fever up in Baitadi

KATHMANDU: Cases of viral fever have surged in Baitadi with the seasonal change. Health professionals report a significant increase in patients with seasonal viral fever at hospitals, primary health centers, health posts, and private clinics.

According to Bipin Lekhak, the Information Officer at the Health Office Baitadi, there has been a marked rise in the number of patients seeking care for viral fever across the district over the past few weeks, attributed to the change in season.

Currently, about 60 percent of reported cases are viral fever, with additional cases of typhoid, respiratory issues, dengue fever, and scrub typhus also being observed.

At the Primary Health Centre Patan, over 80 patients visit daily, with around 50 percent of them suffering from viral fever. Similarly, at the Kesharpur Primary Health Center in Melauli, approximately 100 patients seek treatment each day, with around 80 of them diagnosed with viral fever, according to public health officer Mukesh Kant Dayal.

The Purchaudi area is particularly affected, according to local government sources. The rise in cases has been linked to the consumption of unhygienic food during this season, as noted by Bir Singh Bhat, in charge of Shreekot Health Post.

It is likely that the actual number of infections is higher, as not all affected individuals have sought medical care. District Public Health Office Chief Tirtha Raj Bhatta has advised the public to adhere to the medication prescribed by licensed health professionals, warning that indiscriminate use of medication purchased from medical shops could lead to additional health complications.