Virus Fever Cases Rise 25-30% Among Children in Bengaluru Amid Weather Changes

BENGALURU, Sept. 14 — Bengaluru is witnessing a sharp increase in viral fever cases among children, with reports indicating a 25-30% rise in cases over recent weeks. Health experts attribute this spike to the city’s erratic weather patterns, which have included alternating periods of rain and intense heat.

The fluctuating climate in Bengaluru is contributing to a surge in infectious diseases, particularly viral fevers, with pediatric wards seeing a significant uptick in cases. Doctors at Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital report that between 550 and 600 outpatient visits occur daily, with about 50% of these cases involving viral fever. Similar increases have been observed at KC General Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and Vani Vilas Hospital.

Children with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable, and the infections are spreading rapidly within households. Health authorities have issued warnings for parents to be vigilant, especially given the rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) alongside viral fevers. The number of ILI cases has surged from 72 in July to 261 in September.

Symptoms of viral fever to watch for include:

High fever
Respiratory issues
Persistent cough
Severe fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Headaches and chills
Cold-related fevers in some children
Parents are advised to maintain high standards of hygiene and ensure a healthy diet to help mitigate the spread of these infections. With dengue fever also on the rise, the overall health situation for children in Bengaluru remains a significant concern.