Prolonged dry weather: Surge in respiratory ailments in Sirmaur

Prolonged dry weather and the absence of rainfall have led to a sharp rise in health issues in Sirmaur district, with an increase in cases of cough, cold, fever, chest pain and throat infections. Hospitals across the district, including Medical College, Nahan, have seen a surge in patient numbers, with over 40 per cent of outpatient department (OPD) cases now related to these conditions.

Medical facilities in Paonta Sahib, Shillai, Dadahu, Rajgarh and Sarahan are facing similar challenges, with long queues of patients forming early in the day. Medical College, Nahan, alone is handling over 1,000 patients daily, a significant portion of whom are suffering from respiratory and viral infections. Previously, only 25 per cent of patients sought treatment for these issues, but this figure has risen to over 40 per cent, particularly affecting the elderly, children and women.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Ajay Pathak confirmed the spike in cases, attributing it to dry, cold conditions and temperature fluctuations — cold mornings and evenings followed by warm days. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions, such as staying warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes, to reduce the risk of illness during this dry spell.