Cocktail of viruses lays kids low with fever, cough, respiratory distress
Times of India | 18 January 2024
Kolkata: A combined attack of fever, cough, respiratory distress and conjunctivitis have laid hundreds of children low across the city. In most cases, the fever has been persisting for a week or more, leaving the children weak and unable to attend school in the middle of the exam season. Adeno virus, human metapneumovirus, influenza and para-influenza viruses could be triggering the simultaneous onset of multiple symptoms, said paediatricians and pulmonologists, who also advised the use of masks for children.
Persisting fever and upper respiratory tract infection have been the most common symptoms so far, said paediatrician Santanu Ray. “Rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and some cases of adenovirus have been detected. Since children have low resistance, they are more prone to these viral attacks than elders,” said Ray.
Many children have tested positive for influenza, para-influenza, adenovirus, enterovirus and metapneumovirus in the last one week, said Peerless Hospital microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri. “All of these can trigger upper respiratory tract infection with cough and breathing distress in some cases. The numbers are not as large as last winter, but cases have been rising recently. Some have had accompanying conjunctivitis which could be triggered by adenovirus or enterovirus. We saw scores of such conjunctivitis cases last winter,” added Chaudhuri.
NH Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah, has seen a ‘noticeable’ upswing in respiratory infections among children. Approximately 15%-20% of cases have required hospitalization due to symptoms such as prolonged fever, respiratory distress and redness in eyes. According to Shubhadeep Das, senior consultant and clinical lead of paediatric intensive care, adenovirus, metapneumovirus and the influenza virus are behind these infections. “There is a need for awareness among parents since we had a similar spike in adenovirus cases during the same period last year, which led to severe consequences, including fatalities,” said Das. AMRI Hospital Mukundapur has four children admitted, two each with rhinovirus and adenovirus.
“We are asking parents to make children wear masks when playing outdoors or visiting crowded places and in schools. This simple precautionary measure can significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission,” said Das.
Repeated temperature fluctuations have triggered the viruses which are spreading quickly since schools have reopened after the winter recess, said paediatric intensivist at BM Birla Hospital Satarupa Mukherjee. “This is the peak season for upper respiratory tract infections due to the frequent changes in weather. Transmission is hastened through schools so precautions must be taken,” she said.
Mild symptoms like cough and cold should not be neglected, said Das, adding, “If these symptoms persist for 2-3 days or if there is high-grade fever that does not subside, prompt medical attention is crucial.”
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