Ranchi Hospitals Overwhelmed by Surge in Seasonal Illnesses
Ranchi is witnessing a concerning rise in cases of gastrointestinal infection, fever, diarrhoea, and dehydration, directly linked to significant fluctuations in maximum and minimum temperatures over the past 4-5 days. Medical professionals at state-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) and private hospitals are reporting a sharp increase in patient numbers, attributing the spike to erratic weather patterns.
Temperature Swings Create Health Crisis
The temperature difference between day and night in Ranchi has shown dramatic variation recently. On Tuesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 33.8°C and a minimum of 21.4°C, creating a difference of 12.4 degrees. This follows even more extreme fluctuations: 14.5 degrees on Monday, 15.4 degrees on Sunday, and 15.6 degrees on Saturday. These sudden changes have created ideal conditions for the spread of various infections.
Rims Hospital Reports Significant Patient Increase
At the medicine OPD of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, doctors are now handling at least 300 cases daily, a substantial increase from approximately 250 patients just a week earlier. Dr Rashmi Sinha, associate professor at the medicine department of Rims, explained the situation: "We have witnessed an increase of 60-70 cases daily over the past week. At least 50% of these patients report gastroenteritis, fever, and heat-induced dehydration."
Dr Sinha emphasized: "The increase in cases is directly due to erratic weather and sudden changes in temperature. We expect the numbers to increase further over the next few days as temperatures continue to rise."
Children Particularly Vulnerable
The paediatric department at Rims is experiencing a similar surge, with children presenting symptoms including fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Dr Partha Kumar Choudhary, professor of the paediatrics department, noted: "The increase in temperature provides a suitable environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses. Consequently, respiratory tract infections, malaria, and heat-induced diarrhoea have emerged as common ailments among children."
Medical Advice for Prevention
Doctors across Ranchi are advising preventive measures to combat the seasonal disease outbreak:
- Maintain strict personal hygiene
- Drink plenty of clean, purified water
- Avoid consuming street food and unhygienic outside meals
- Emphasize consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Wear masks in crowded places to prevent respiratory infections
Private Hospitals Confirm Trend
Dr Nidhi Jha, associate consultant of internal medicine at a private hospital, confirmed the pattern: "We have witnessed an increase in patients complaining of gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting after eating outside food, and dehydration-related cramp cases. A large number of patients reported developing symptoms soon after consuming food from outside establishments."
Dr Jha added: "Dehydration is another major concern. Due to excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake, patients often encounter muscle cramps, weakness, and various heat-related illnesses. The combination of temperature fluctuations and dietary habits is creating a perfect storm for seasonal diseases."
The medical community in Ranchi remains on high alert as they prepare for potentially increasing case numbers in the coming days, with temperature fluctuations expected to continue affecting public health across the region.
