Adenoviruses infection in Kolkata: “Adenovirus on children! Hospitals are overflowing!” Children are also admitted to the ICU.
Adenovirus infections in children are becoming more common. The majority of the beds in all public and private hospitals in Kolkata with paediatric intensive care units (ICUs) are currently occupied. The majority of children admitted to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) have adenovirus infections.
According to sources, BC Roy Hospital in Beleghata has 25 PICUs, none of which are currently available. Calcutta Medical College Hospital also has 20 PICU beds. None of the Institute of Child Health’s 22 PICU beds are available.
“The viral panel test required to diagnose this disease is very expensive,” said paediatrician Sumita Saha of Fortis Hospital. At the same time, there is no vaccine or medicine for this virus, so only symptom-based treatment is available. As a result, parents should be more aware that if their children are suffering from cold-cough-fever, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The cost of a viral panel or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test required for adenovirus infection diagnosis is estimated to be between $10,000 and $30,000 in the private sector. As a result, even if the doctor requests this test, many people are unable to do so right away due to the high cost. Many parents are unable to get this test done because of the cost.
Adenovirus infection has already been reported to the state health department. To keep an eye on the overall situation in the state, all medical colleges and district level hospitals have been instructed to send daily reports (from 12:00 pm to 12:00 pm the next day) directly to the specific health officer’s WhatsApp number and email. During that time period, how many new babies were admitted with a “acute respiratory infection,” how many people died as a result of that infection, how many patients were admitted, how many of them were in PICU, NICU (Neonatal Care Unit), SNCU (Sick Neonatal Care Unit), or CCU, all of that information should be included in the report. Also, how many people are on oxygen and how many need to be ventilated?’
Also Read: