The current wave of dengue and other viral diseases that have symptoms similar to dengue and lead to a drop in white blood cell and platelet count of afflicted patients has got doctors in the city in a tizzy as they are unable to ascertain what the ailment is.
Doctors have said that though initially the symptoms point towards dengue, tests prove otherwise. They also said that there are around 50-60 different viral strains that are afflicting people in Mumbai for which there are no specific tests and if these strains go unchecked can be fatal or life threatening.
Speaking about the presence of ailments that had symptoms similar to dengue but was not detected by any of the current dengue tests, a general practitioner from the western suburbs said, “Not to alarm Mumbaikars, but there are definitely some viral infections that are causing a rapid drop in the white blood cell and platelet counts of the afflicted. Though some symptoms are similar to dengue, the patient does not have fever but feels fatigued and drained. It is because of loss of fluids from the body and simply administering intravenous fluids suffices to stem the falling counts,” said the GP. He however added that these were only observations and there was no clinical proof of it being a uniform phenomenon.
Dr Tanu Singhal, a paediatrician and specialist in infectious diseases, Kokilaben Hospital confirmed that there were some 40-50 viral strains that were afflicting both the young and old in the city but there were no tests to ascertain what they were. “We have had two patients in a week who had similar symptoms. They had low WBC and platelets but no fever or vomiting that are common complaints of those having dengue. We administered them IV fluids and they recovered. The drop in white blood cell and platelet counts could be due to medication too but it does not mean that it should be taken lightly,” said Dr Singhal.
She added that as long as there was no concrete evidence about the types of viral strains and infections afflicting Mumbaikars they should take precautions by keeping themselves hydrated and eating healthy food.
