Patna: Hospitals in Bihar are reporting a surge in cases of a mysterious fever that mimics dengue symptoms but consistently tests negative, raising concerns among doctors and health officials.
Patients have been arriving at facilities including Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), New Garden Road Hospital, AIIMS Patna and IGIMS with high fever, severe body aches and low platelet counts – classic indicators of dengue. Yet, despite repeated testing, the results are coming back negative.
Doctors are describing the illness as a “dengue-like viral infection” and say it may be a strain not yet identified. “Treatment is being given based on symptoms, and patients need to take special precautions,” said Dr Sanjay Kumar, from the department of medicine.
Several cases, including Savitri Devi from Kankarbagh and Rinki Kumari from Danapur, have been admitted with dengue-like conditions. Though tests ruled out dengue, both were treated symptomatically and later showed improvement.
Clinicians have also noted additional complications. Dr Manoj Kumar Sinha, superintendent of New Garden Road Hospital, said some patients were presenting with cough, chest pain, abdominal bloating, vomiting and joint pain, alongside fever.
Senior physician Dr Amit Mishra suggested the outbreak could be linked to a new viral strain not detected by current diagnostic tools.
Health experts have urged the public not to self-medicate. “If you experience fever or related symptoms, consult a doctor and avoid taking medicines without a proper diagnosis,” Dr Mishra said.
Authorities are yet to issue an official advisory, but hospitals in the state capital say cases continue to rise, prompting fears of a wider outbreak.
