Adenovirus outbreak: Spike in cases among children; Health authorities on alert

Adenovirus Cases Rise in Kolkata: West Bengal has reported a worrisome spike in adenovirus cases among children across the state. On Sunday, two children–a six-month-old boy and a 2.5-year-old girl died. However, media reports claim that the cause of deaths has not yet been formally identified as the adenovirus.

According to a report by Indian Express, the state health department has asked the chief medical officers of various districts to check preparedness to deal with the disease that is affecting children the most. Reportedly, Public and private hospitals in Kolkata and other districts are overflowing with children suffering from fever, cold and cough.

In January this year, around 30 percent of samples sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED) in Kolkata since January have tested positive for the virus. Of the 500 samples the Health Department had sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) for testing in January, 32 percent were found to have adenovirus, 12 percent rhinovirus and 13 percent parainfluenza virus.

Moreover, health officials have been asked to take stock of oxygen equipment and paediatric ventilators.

What is Adenovirus?

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Adenoviruses are common viruses that typically cause mild cold- or flu-like illness. Adenoviruses can cause illness in people of all ages any time of year. The CDC emphasises that the virus can cause mild to severe illness, though serious illness is less common.

People who have a weak immune system or existing respiratory or cardiac disease, are at higher risk of developing severe illness from an adenovirus infection.

“The incidence of adenovirus infections has been increasing in India once again, right now it’s endamic has reached west Bengal and with us also the number of cases have started to grow. We’re seeing this infection in both pediatric and adult age group as well. The symptoms in pediatric age group are cough, cold, fever, sore throat, pink eye. If there’s Gastrointestinal tract involved then symptoms like nausea, vomiting, lose motions, pain in stomach can also be seen. If it’s left untreated then there’s a risk of Pneumonia and bronchitis,” Dr Shreya Dubey, Consultant, Neonatology and Paediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told Financial Express.com.

Symptoms of Adenovirus

According to Dr. Dubey, the thing to be taken care of is that if the child is suffering with fever for more than two days, coughing for many days, if the urine output is less than normal or if the child feels weak and sluggish then it’s better to consult a pediatrician.

• common cold or flu-like symptoms
• fever
• sore throat
• acute bronchitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs, sometimes called a “chest cold”)
• pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines causing diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain)

“Just watch out for the symptoms as this infection is spreading like an endamic. It can spread through air droplets, water contamination, contact with stoll (for infants). If your child is sick then don’t send him to school as this infection is communicable so other kids maybe at its risk. It’s not that serious but we need to be watchful, once the symptoms are in control then it’s easily treatable. Just don’t ignore the symptoms,” Dr. Dubey added.

Some less common symptoms of adenovirus infection include

• bladder inflammation or infection
• neurologic disease (conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord)

How Adenoviruses Spread?

According to the CDC, Adenoviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. It can also spread through the air by coughing and sneezing.

Meanwhile, touching an object or surface with adenoviruses on it, then touching mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands may also contract the virus.

Adenoviruses are often resistant to common disinfectants and can remain infectious for long periods of time on surfaces and objects.

How to Prevent Adenovirus Infection?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others
• Refrain from kissing others
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom

How Adenovirus Infection is Diagnosed?

According to CDC, laboratory testing for adenoviruses is not routinely done because most people have mild or no symptoms, and no specific treatment is available.

It can be detected if someone has severe illness or pneumonia or if an outbreak is being investigated.

Treatment for Adenovirus Infection

According to CDC, there is no specific treatment or approved antiviral medicine for people with adenovirus infection. People who are seriously ill may need care in the hospital to help them recover.

Most adenovirus infections are mild and may only require care to help relieve symptoms.

Is there a vaccine for Adenovirus Infection?

There is currently no adenovirus vaccine available for the general public.