New Delhi, May 28 -- Punjab's government hospitals are witnessing a rise in seasonal illnesses as humid weather and fluctuating temperatures lead to an increase in fever-related conditions, respiratory infections and stomach ailments.

Figures released by the State Health Agency (SHA) showed that acute febrile illness emerged as one of the largest categories under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. A total of 5,840 cases were recorded in the last four months, with claims amounting to Rs.1.31 crore.

Acute febrile illness refers to a sudden onset of fever caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Doctors said patients often reach hospitals with fever as the primary symptom while the underlying infection remains undetected in the early...