Lagatar24 Desk
Pune: Ten years after the last significant Chikungunya outbreak in Alandi, doctors are seeing a worrying rise in cases with severe complications affecting vital organs. This year, not only have Chikungunya cases surpassed Dengue in numbers, but complications such as Encephalitis, Meningoencephalitis, Myocarditis, kidney injury, and Guillain-Barré syndrome have also increased, particularly in newborns and the elderly.
Chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, typically presents symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rash. However, this year, doctors have observed more cases where the virus has caused life-threatening complications. Experts believe a mutation in the virus could be the cause.
Increase in Severe Cases with Organ Involvement
Dr. Ameet Dravid, an infectious diseases expert at Noble Hospital, shared that they have seen more than 15 cases where patients initially presented with common Chikungunya symptoms but later developed severe conditions affecting the brain and other vital organs. “Many patients develop Encephalitis, and symptoms such as weakness, disorientation, and urinary incontinence emerge in the second week,” Dr. Dravid explained. He added that the treatment is costly and the mortality rate in such cases is high.
Dr. Dravid confirmed that samples from affected patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further analysis to determine if there is a new strain or mutation of the virus.
ICU Admissions for Critical Cases
Ruby Hall Clinic has also reported an alarming rise in serious cases. Dr. Prachee Sathe, head of the intensive care unit (ICU), said, “This year, we have treated more than eight Chikungunya patients with Encephalopathy, most of whom are elderly.” She added that some patients arrive unconscious or drowsy and require intensive care.
In one extreme case, a six-day-old infant was diagnosed with Chikungunya and suffered from brain infection and other complications. Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi of Sahyadri Hospitals shared that the newborn had severe respiratory issues, liver dysfunction, and blood coagulation problems. “The baby was in the ICU for 17 days and was given intravenous immunoglobulins to reduce inflammation, which ultimately helped save the child’s life,” Dr. Suryawanshi said.
Experts Urge Further Study
According to Dr. Amitav Banerjee, professor emeritus at D Y Patil Medical College, viral infections can spread throughout the body and cause inflammation in various organs. While severe Chikungunya cases were reported during an outbreak a decade ago, he emphasized that more research is needed to understand why the virus appears to be causing more severe complications now.
Municipal Response and Public Health Advisory
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), confirmed the surge in both Chikungunya and Dengue cases in the city. He urged citizens to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly. “Although there has been a rise in severe Chikungunya cases, no deaths have been reported in the city,” he added.
With the rise in severe complications, doctors and public health officials are advising increased awareness and caution, especially in vulnerable populations.
