Rainfall triggers fever surge fears in Chittoor, Annamayya districts

Medical and Health officials in Chittoor and Annamayya districts remained on alert for the last one week due to intermittent rains and humid weather, fearing a surge in seasonal fevers.

Stagnating water in residential neighbourhoods, empty plots, roadside ditches and wet farm fields has officials concerned about dealing with the conditions that lead to mosquito breeding and the rapid spread of illness.

The key areas under scanner in Chittoor district include Chittoor city, residential areas close to the banks of Neeva river, GD Nellore, Karveti Nagaram, Nagari, Nindra, Palamaner, Kuppam, Bangarupalem, and Baireddipalle mandals, which witnessed wet weather and light rains.

Madanapalle, Piler, Kalikiri, Vayalpadu, Punganur and Thamballapalle mandals under Annamayya district are also under the scanner as these regions received considerable rainfall during the first cycle of the cyclone.

Health officials are keeping a close eye on viral fevers, dengue, malaria, and scrub typhus. Field staff urged the public not to brush off lingering fevers, body aches, headaches, or unusual fatigue as routine seasonal bugs.

Dengue is already becoming a pressing health concern in Chittoor district. According to the Health department data, Chittoor recorded 112 dengue cases in August, a sharp jump of 53 per cent compared to the 73 cases reported in the same period last year. A senior medical officer in Chittoor said that verified figures for the past week were not available and would be collected as part of a special drive, however there appears to be a reported increase in cases.

“Our action plan is to track daily clinic visits, blood test results, confirmed diagnoses, and hospital admissions, as it is vital to get a clear picture on the situation,” he said.

District Collector Sumit Kumar instructed the field officials to intensify door-to-door health checks, mosquito control drives, and public awareness campaigns.

Similarly, local municipalities and village panchayats have embarked on a special drive to clear clogged drains, remove stagnant water, and inspect construction sites and unmaintained public spaces.