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Four more kids have died of (ARI) in Kolkata, including a confirmed adenovirus case, between late Thursday night and Friday.
The deaths were reported by Dr BC Roy Post Graduate Institute of Paediatric Sciences (DBCRPGIPS). The kids were referred from districts, according to The Times of India.
An 11-month-old from Shasan in North 24 Parganas was admitted to the Phoolbagan hospital on Sunday with ARI. Tests later confirmed adenovirus infection. The infant died late on Thursday night.
A 10-month-old from Barasat was brought to the hospital nine days ago with a high fever and breathing distress. Despite medical care, the infant died on Friday.
In another referral case, a child from Canning also died of viral pneumonia at DBCRPGIPS. Sources said the parents initially took the child to Baruipur Subdivisonal Hospital about a week ago.
The fourth child, who succumbed to ARI on Friday, was a one-year-old girl from Maslandapur.
Kolkata doctors urge measures against Adenovirus spread
Leading doctors of Kolkata have made an appeal to the West Bengal government for adopting urgent measures to address the alarming increase in pediatric ARI cases in Kolkata.
The number of children being admitted to hospitals affected by viral infections and respiratory distress has been increasing recently, reports The Times of India.
The spread of viral infections like Adenovirus seasonally proliferates with the aid of air pollutants and pollens and affects children more than adults. Due to persistent air pollution, inflammatory changes in lung alveoli are aggravated after a viral or bacterial attack in the lungs.
Inflammation in the lungs is persistent even after the infection is brought under control, requiring more usage of inhalers to curb post-infection morbidity, especially in children.
This in a way is increasing a child’s steroid intake, which will have a long-term impact on their health, the letter from doctors to the government said.
“Apart from controlling vehicular movement, there should be strict restrictions on garbage burning and burning of tyres, and charcoals. These are some low-hanging fruits which should be immediately addressed to reduce the level of air pollution to relieve the children of their distress,” said Sanjukta Dutta, head of Emergency Medicine at Fortis Hospital.
Even if the infection is well controlled, inflammation in the lungs is persistent, which requires more usage of Inhalers to curb post-infection morbidity, especially in children.
“We need to remember, during Covid time as air pollutants are at a minimal state, children are not suffering from such elements for almost 2 years of the Covid period,” said Kaustav Choudhury, Pediatrician, at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital.
“The adenovirus has aggravated in the past two weeks because of the sudden rise in temperature along with pollution. We need to be aware of our current situation and use masks which can reduce viral transmission,” said Suman Mallik, clinical director and chief of radiation oncology at NH Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
“This problem is not just affecting children but also adults, the geriatric population, and people with co-morbid conditions like moderate to severe post-Covid. This is a public health problem,” said Kaushik Chaki, health activist and member of the Bengal Doctors’ Forum.
