Mystery fever in Mumbai: Mumbai is witnessing cases of an unusual fever that has become a cause of worry among doctors. According to media reports, this bizarre fever lingers for 4-5 days and reportedly the temperature fluctuates from 99 and 102 degrees.
Patients are also developing rashes all over their body on the 4th and 5th day of the infection. This is usually accompanied by a sensation of eye heaviness, persistent headaches, and sleeplessness.
What are the symptoms of this mysterious disease?
The patients are showing symptoms like an unusual fever that lasts for 4-5 days, rashes, heaviness in the eyes, persistent fever, and insomnia. Although the symptoms are similar to vector-borne diseases like Dengue, reportedly patients are testing negative for common pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and other prevalent diseases.
According to media reports, these unusual cases have been reported for the last two months. Moreover, there is a decrease in White Blood Cells (WBCs) in the patient but the platelets remain within acceptable limits. These patients also have an increase in Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
Here’s what expert says
Dr Sanjith Saseedharan, Consultant & Head-Critical Care, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim-A Fortis Associate told Financial Express.com that almost none of these cases have required hospitalisation or developed severe issues requiring intensive care admissions.
“…we are getting many cases where patients have symptoms of high-grade fever with chills, body aches, and sleeplessness. In some cases, patients also have signs of a non-itchy rash, which looks like pink spots over the body. All usual investigations, which include Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya, are negative in these cases,” Dr. Saseedharan told Financial Express.com.
In addition, high-end investigations like PCR from the nasopharynx are also conducted, which is also negative. Some of these fevers, when investigated, demonstrated a slight reduction in the WBC count, along with raised levels in their Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) tests, he informed.
“However, most of these are easily treated at home with unusual antipyretic drugs like paracetamol and good hydration. Almost none of these cases have required hospitalisation or developed severe issues requiring intensive care admissions,” he revealed.
In rare cases, elderly patients with multiple comorbidities are the only ones who need to be observed in the hospital, although these have been self-limiting in number, he said. However, at least 30 per cent of patients have reported a protracted fatigue duration for almost one month, he added.
“Overall, there is no reason to press the panic button as there is a 100 per cent recovery from the illness, and it does not have any implication for the health of the general population. This could be a form of mild COVID-19, which is entirely curable at home, with no reason for panic or additional regulations,” Dr. Saseedharan told Financial Express.com.
