Kolkata is grappling with a viral fever outbreak as the city endures a punishing combination of heat and humidity. Over the past week, hundreds of residents have been affected, with doctors reporting common symptoms such as high fever, chest congestion, cough, and muscle pain. However, the infection is causing acute weakness, prolonging recovery time. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are making many more susceptible to viruses, experts noted.
Hospital Reports and Dominant Strains
Peerless Hospital has treated at least 10 patients with viral infections in the last week, some requiring admission. Chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury identified H1N1, or Influenza A, as the dominant strain. While symptoms have been severe in some cases, most patients were managed at the outpatient department (OPD).
At RN Tagore Hospital, numerous patients have sought treatment for viral symptoms. Intensivist Sauren Panja reported detecting Influenza A and B, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in some patients. He explained that heat exposure increases vulnerability to infections, with frequent transitions between air-conditioned and outdoor environments causing sharp temperature changes that lower the body's natural defenses. This makes it easier for airborne viruses to take hold, with extreme heat acting as an accelerator.
Charnock Hospital has treated over 50 viral fever patients at its OPD in the last five days. Emergency head Nishant Agarwal described symptoms including high fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which subsides with medication but returns within hours. Dry cough, muscle pain, and weakness are common. While the specific virus type often remains unidentified due to limited testing, symptoms are typical of influenza. Warm, dry winds help carry viruses, and families confined to air-conditioned rooms facilitate transmission. Sudden temperature changes further strain the body, contributing to the outbreak. The hospital is seeing about 10 viral patients daily.
Impact on Children
Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre (NBWCCC) has reported a surge in flu cases among children. The emergency department handles 8-10 pediatric cases daily with high fever indicative of a viral outbreak. Consultant Paediatric Intensivist Somenath Gorain noted a noticeable rise in Influenza A (H1N1) and seasonal flu cases over the past month, managing 50-60 cases, with 7-10 in the last five days alone. Symptoms in children include high-grade fever (103-104°F), persistent cough, sore throat, fatigue, poor oral intake, dehydration, and sometimes loose motions. While most recover well with timely treatment, younger children, infants, and those with underlying conditions face higher complication risks. A significant number have required hospitalization for intravenous fluids due to dehydration and poor feeding.
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