India : Beware! it's a season of viral infections

Via The Hindu :

" The current spell of northeast monsoon has brought in its wake viral infections in both adults and children. Apart from the usual complaints of conjunctivitis, fever, respiratory tract ailments and cough and cold, doctors say there is an increase in the number of children reporting with gastroenteritis.

According to paediatricians in the city there has been an increase in the incidence of viral infections in the last few days as compared to a fortnight ago. But, infections such as leptospirosis, dengue and malaria, caused by stagnation of water, are expected to increase after the rain, said P. Ramachandran, Director, Institute of Child Health, Egmore.

The Government Children's Hospital attached to the Institute has seen an increase in respiratory illness and bronchiolitis, a condition that affects infants and young children, especially those in the three to six month age group. Children who are not breastfed and those who are exposed to crowded places or cigarette smoke are at risk."