Muscle Pain and Body Ache Reported Even Without Fever
With the weather shifting between intense heat and intermittent rain, Alappuzha district is once again facing the threat of infectious diseases. After a short gap, the presence of the influenza virus, which causes respiratory infections, has been confirmed in the district.
The district, already concerned after two deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, may now face additional challenges due to the changing weather conditions.
As the rain has started, cases of dengue fever and leptospirosis have also begun to appear. If mosquito and rat-control activities are not carried out effectively, these diseases may spread widely once the monsoon strengthens. After just one spell of rain, hundreds of people have sought treatment for viral fever.
Doctors also report that many people are experiencing muscle pain and body ache even without fever. They believe this may be due to rain following a period of severe heat.
Influenza virus cases were widespread during March and April last year and later came under control. However, last week, influenza A (H3N2) virus infection was confirmed in three people on a single day.
The virus spreads through the air and can lead to pneumonia and breathing difficulty. People with low immunity, the elderly, and pregnant women are more vulnerable to infection.
Malaria has also been reported recently, mainly among migrant workers. The number of diarrhoea cases is also increasing. A week ago, fewer than 50 patients were being reported daily, but now the number has risen close to 100.
Pre-Monsoon Cleaning Activities Yet to Be Completed
Pre-monsoon cleaning activities aimed at preventing infectious diseases have been delayed across the district. The cleaning schedule was planned from February 27 to April 20. However, even as the second week of May approaches, work has only just started in many areas.
Cleaning of canals and drains is still pending in several places. Mapping of waterlogging-prone areas has also not been completed. The lack of funds for ward-level sanitation committees has become another setback.
Symptoms to Watch For
Influenza
Common symptoms include cough, fever, vomiting, sore throat, muscle pain, and difficulty in breathing. Symptoms may last for around one week. Continuous fever, chest pain or discomfort, and pain while eating may also occur.
Dengue Fever
Symptoms include body pain, joint pain, persistent tiredness, fever with headache, and chills. The condition can become serious if the platelet count drops sharply.
Leptospirosis
Symptoms include high fever with severe chills, cold sensation, tiredness, body pain, headache, and vomiting. Some people may also experience loss of appetite, nausea, redness of the eyes, watery eyes, and difficulty looking at bright light.
Malaria
Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, joint pain, vomiting, jaundice, and retinal damage. Symptoms usually begin 8 to 25 days after infection.
