Post-Puja viral attacks leave city under weather, trigger panic

KOLKATA: Thousands of Kolkatans are down with a post-puja spate of viral diseases, including one that is leading to unexplained body rashes. With the dengue still on the prowl and symptoms being similar, it has led to a panic. At least three non-dengue viruses have struck, according to clinicians and though none is fatal, concurrent bacterial infections have often been leading to serious ailments.

A spurt in the number of viral fever patients was triggered during the Puja. It coincided with the temperature fluctuation that followed cyclone Titli which struck four days prior to the festival. “This is the season when the mercury starts going up and down, leading to a spurt in viruses. Since the dengue outbreak persists, a panic has set in. Non-dengue viral symptoms are similar. So, dengue has to be ruled out first through an NS1 test. Seasonal viruses are extremely contagious, but rarely fatal unless the patient has an accompanying bacterial infection,” said consultant Arindam Biswas.



Rhino virus, human meta-pneumo virus and influenza virus are likely to have struck, said doctors. It is difficult to identify a virus unless a test is done. The state, however, doesn’t have the facility. But it is the viral fever with body rashes that has had doctors worried. It is striking children more frequently. “The rash is leading to a dengue scare. But it’s neither dengue nor measles. So, the symptom is leaving us worried till dengue has been ruled out. Like dengue, the viruses are very severe this time with the fever persisting for a week. The accompanying symptoms like body ache, diarrhea and vomiting, too, have been very severe,” said paediatrician Shantanu Ray.

The common viruses trigger similar symptoms which recede in 3-5 days, according to consultant P K Nemani. “But a bacterial infection can lead to complications. The elderly and children are vulnerable,” said Nemani.

Those above 65 years of age and below 12 were susceptible to bacterial infections while suffering from viral fever. “A subsidiary infection could be dangerous unless it is detected early and treated with antibiotics. Many have required hospitalization to tide over the crisis period,” said Ray.

Seasonal viruses are highly contagious so an outbreak is difficult to prevent in the pre-winter period, felt Belle Vue Clinic critical care consultant Samarjit Naskar. “These viruses are transmitted through sneeze and cough droplets which can travel six feet. Public places and transport usually help to spread them. The only option is to use handkerchiefs and not to touch objects with bare hands,” said Naskar.

The post-puja period sees a spurt in viral outbreak since the festivities see large congregations which helps the spread, said a consultant. Most felt that the outbreak could continue for a month till the temperature fluctuation stops. “This is also the time when pollution shoots up. As the suspended particulate matter count rises, lung and respiratory disorders turn frequent. Coupled with the viral infection, these can complicate matters. I have come across several elderly patients who contracted pneumonia during a viral attack,” said Biswas.