Hyderabad: Dual infections plague many already down with dengue

HYDERABAD: In several patients down with dengue and admitted to hospitals, doctors have found dual infections. While currently most private hospitals are reporting up to 50 cases of dengue in a week, the numbers in government-run centres are even higher. The state-run Niloufer Hospital has nearly 250 cases currently, while private and corporate hospitals have more than 50% of ICU patients suffering from dengue.
“We are seeing many cases of dengue and post Covid-19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).Also, dengue with rickettsial is being seen. These patients are requiring admissions due to complications arising from dual infections,” said Dr Satish Ghanta, neonatologist & paediatric intensivist, Little Stars Children’s Hospital.
MIS-C, which is a relatively new disease being seen in children, is similar to the rare Kawasaki disease. It can be fatal as it impacts multiple organs. Children from 0-15 years who have recovered from Covid or have come in contact with an infected elder are vulnerable to develop post-Covid MIS-C.
Rickettsial on the other hand is spotted fever which occurs due to ticks, mites, lice and fleas, which usually increase during monsoon. While these cases are difficult to treat, the fact that dengue can easily become critical among children makes things worse.
“Dengue can got from bad to worse within a matter of a few hours. We are seeing a lot of critical cases and even slight neglect can be dangerous, especially for children. We must remember that dengue claims more children than even Covid in India. Dengue is increasing and so are the complications arsing from it,” said Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, chief consultant paediatrician, Magna Centres.
MIS-C is a relatively new disease being seen in kids, similar to Kawasaki disease. Children from 0-15 years who have recovered from Covid or have come in contact with an infected elder are vulnerable to develop post-Covid MIS-C