Hyderabad: The incessant rains over the past week have resulted in a spate of cases of viral diarrhoea and jaundice in the city. The incidence of viral fevers is also at an all-time high.

On Monday, doctors at the out-patient department of Fever Hospital attended to 1,500 patients, out of which, 800 had viral fever, 10 had dengue, and the remaining were suffering from mild diarrhoea.

Dr G. Srinivas, a senior general physician, said, “Water has been contaminated at many places due to damaged drains. Most pipelines carrying drinking water are located right next to the sewage pipes, which is why this problem occurs. Diarrhoea is caused by the contamination of food and water. Usually, not many cases are reported in the month of October, but there has been a spurt this year.”

Low-lying areas of the city have been continuously water-logged, and this has aggravated the problem.

Dr V.K. Reddy, a senior general physician, said, “Children, senior citizens and pregnant women must be careful during such times as they are most susceptible to these viruses because their immunity is compromised.”