Patna: Bihar is experiencing a significant rise in brain hemorrhage cases, which health experts are attributing to the state’s ongoing cold wave. Over a 24-hour period, eight patients were admitted to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna for brain hemorrhages. Most of the patients were reportedly individuals with high blood pressure who had stopped taking their prescribed medications, exacerbating their vulnerability to severe cold-related health issues.
Medical professionals have expressed concern over the impact of cold weather on patients with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Experts are urging these individuals to ensure they do not skip their medications, warning that such lapses could lead to life-threatening conditions like strokes or brain hemorrhages.
The cold wave, coupled with dense fog, has prompted the India Meteorological Department to issue an alert for 11 districts in the state. Another 15 districts are under a yellow alert due to dense fog. The cold snap is expected to continue for the next two days, with temperatures hovering between 8°C and 14°C, particularly in the mornings when the incidence of brain hemorrhages has been notably higher.
The 11 districts facing the cold wave alert are Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Shivhar, Sitamarhi, Saran, Siwan, East Champaran, and West Champaran. At the same time, the fog warning covers Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar, Purnia, Madhepura, Saharsa, Samastipur, and Darbhanga.
In response to the cold, the Bihar government has taken the step of closing schools up to grade 8 in 10 districts until 25 January. Schools are set to reopen on 27 January, following the Republic Day holiday on 26 January.
Weather forecasts indicate that the cold conditions will persist into next week. Maximum temperatures are expected to range from 16°C to 22°C, while minimum temperatures will fluctuate between 6°C and 14°C. Light rain and strong winds may further intensify the chill.
Meanwhile, the air quality has also deteriorated, with Nalanda reporting the highest pollution levels in the state, with an air quality index (AQI) of 326 on Friday. Other districts such as Bhagalpur, Hajipur, and Patna are also facing unhealthy air quality, posing additional health risks, particularly for those with respiratory issues.
In contrast, the temperature in Gopalganj reached a relatively warmer 27.3°C, while Chapra recorded the coldest minimum temperature at 7.7°C, highlighting the stark temperature differences across the state.
