Ahmedabad has endured nearly two months of temperatures at or above 40°C, with relentless heat and high humidity leading to a surge in viral infections. Symptoms include respiratory illness and fatigue, according to local doctors.
Rise in Viral and Heat-Related Cases
Dr Maharshi Desai, an internal medicine specialist, noted that cases are a mix of heat-related symptoms and viral infections. “Both often come with symptoms including headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo,” he said. The city has seen sustained high temperatures during both day and night, bringing upper respiratory tract infections and fever linked to viral infections.
Travelers Bringing Infections
With summer vacation ending, those returning from hill stations and the Himalayan region are also reporting viral infections, said Dr Dhiren Mehta, a physician. “It is likely due to cross-infection and change in weather conditions,” he explained. Bronchitis with incessant coughing is observed in some patients, while several also report body aches.
Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome
Dr R C Damani, an internal medicine specialist, highlighted that post-viral fatigue syndrome is being observed among several recovering patients. “It is a condition marked by persistent, debilitating exhaustion and other symptoms that can continue for days or weeks after recovery,” he said. Symptoms include a general sense of not feeling well, dizziness, sore throat, and exhaustion. “We ask such patients not to exert themselves,” he added.
Conjunctivitis Persists
Conjunctivitis, usually associated with the monsoon months, has persisted through this period, said Dr Manish Rawal, an ophthalmologist and surgeon. In one instance, four women from the same family developed conjunctivitis after visiting a beautician ahead of a wedding. Unlike most cases, which clear up with medication within a few days, their infection affected both the conjunctiva and cornea for more than a month. “They were given steroids, unusual for such cases, because of the persistent symptoms,” he said.
