Statistics show that 93 children have died due to infection in the state of West Bengal in the last two months. An average of four to five children die of infection every day in the state. 43 children have died in the last 10 days.
First Published Mar 7, 2023, 5:06 AM IST
Adenovirus is causing a stir in Bengal. This virus has become synonymous with the death of children. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a shocking announcement in the Assembly on Monday regarding adenovirus infection. He said that a child in his family may be infected with this virus. Although the Chief Minister did not say which child in his family got the infection. Apart from this, only six children have died due to adenovirus in the state so far. In the wake of increasing adenovirus cases in the state, CM Mamata Banerjee has advised children to wear masks. Mamata Banerjee asked children not to be afraid and take proper precautions. Of the 19 children who died from adenovirus, 13 of them had comorbidities, she said.
According to the United Nations (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adenoviruses are a type of virus that can cause mild to severe illness in the body, especially affecting the respiratory system. This virus can infect children of any age. It is more common in newborns and young children. Adenoviruses can cause mild to severe illness. Acute symptoms are similar to common cold or flu, fever, sore throat, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, pink eye, acute gastroenteritis. Children with weakened immune systems or those with respiratory or cardiac diseases are more likely to be affected by this virus. Currently, the pediatric critical care units of many hospitals in West Bengal are filled with young people suffering from respiratory diseases, most of them caused by adenovirus. Health Department and Chief Medical Officer in each district should be alert and have necessary infrastructure to deal with Adenovirus cases and . He asked to be ready.
In fact, statistics show that 93 children have died due to infection in the last two months in the state. Significantly, an average of four to five children die of infection every day in the state. 43 children have died in the last 10 days. Although the health department claims that most of the children who died were victims of comorbidity, the state government did not accept adeno infection as the reason for the death of children suffering from other disease symptoms despite having adeno.
Adenovirus is also being politicized in Bengal. Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has alleged that the infant mortality rate has increased after the formation of the Trinamool Congress government in the state. The state government does not care even if Amma’s lap is becoming a desert. On the other hand, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty says that the condition of the health system in the state is pathetic. The government should take immediate corrective measures. On the other hand, Bengal Urban Development Minister, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakeem has already said that the state government is on full alert for Adenovirus and is taking all necessary steps.
