Patna: Bihar is witnessing a sharp rise in typhoid cases, with 4,102 patients testing positive in government hospitals during August. The trend has continued into September, with 250 more patients diagnosed with typhoid between September 1 and September 4, raising concerns within the health department.
The figures are based on testing carried out in government hospitals. In August, around 15,000 patients were tested for typhoid in government hospitals across the state.
The situation is also being reflected in Muzaffarpur, where 161 typhoid cases were reported in August and another 36 cases were detected between September 1 and September 3.
Muzaffarpur Reports Continued Rise
Muzaffarpur has been among the districts where hospitals and diagnostic centres are seeing a steady flow of patients with symptoms associated with typhoid.
In August, 353 people in Muzaffarpur underwent typhoid testing at government facilities. Doctors and laboratory operators have reported that patients from different parts of the city are continuing to arrive for testing.
A private laboratory operator in Chhapra said patients were coming for viral fever-related tests every day, with typhoid being confirmed in many cases. People from different parts of the city are reportedly reaching laboratories to provide samples, indicating that the infection is being detected across several areas.
20 To 30 Patients Reaching SKMCH Daily
At Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur, around 20 to 30 patients with symptoms of typhoid are reportedly arriving every day.
Doctors are treating patients on the basis of their test reports and clinical condition. The continued arrival of patients has added to the pressure on the hospital’s medicine services.
The rise in cases has also highlighted the need for timely testing and monitoring of patients reporting persistent fever and other symptoms associated with the infection.
Patients Being Given Antibiotics
According to the report, patients diagnosed with typhoid are being given antibiotics and other medicines as part of their treatment.
Doctors cited in the report said that recovery can take considerable time in some cases. Even after treatment, some patients may continue to experience weakness.
The report also states that some patients experience a decline in platelet counts following viral fever or typhoid. However, platelet levels can vary for several reasons, and their significance depends on the patient’s overall medical condition.
Private Hospitals Also Seeing More Patients
The increase in cases is not limited to government hospitals. Private hospitals and laboratories are also reporting a steady number of patients seeking testing and treatment.
According to information from private healthcare facilities, around 100 patients a day are reportedly being seen in outpatient departments with symptoms associated with typhoid.
The growing number of patients has also created financial pressure for families seeking treatment in private facilities, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Health Services Under Increased Pressure
The Bihar government has been taking steps to strengthen health services as cases of seasonal illnesses continue to be reported.
Health Minister Nishant Kumar recently visited SKMCH in Muzaffarpur and inspected treatment arrangements and facilities. During the visit, he also inaugurated a 30-bed ICU and reviewed services at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre located on the SKMCH campus.
The state has also launched a campaign involving health checks at people’s homes. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary had earlier flagged off an awareness chariot aimed at spreading health-related information.
With more than 4,100 typhoid cases recorded in government hospitals in August alone, the continued rise in September has put the focus on testing, treatment capacity and monitoring of the infection across Bihar.
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