Innocuous symptoms in kids turning fatal in hours: Experts

KOLKATA: The vulnerability of kids to the dengue virus has resulted in the death of at least a dozen youngsters since August. Aged between eight months and 12 years, these young victims far outnumber the rest in a dengue death tally of around 19 so far. But more than the numbers, the virulence of symptoms and the swift deterioration in health that have left experts worried and confused.

While two suspected deaths were reported from Prince Ghulam Mohammed Hussain Shah Road this week, an eight-year-old child from the area remains critical at the Institute of Child Health. The symptoms have been muted but very severe this year, particularly in case of children. Most young victims died within two days of hospitalization.

“Unlike previous years, greater awareness ensured that none really ignored the symptoms. Treatment and hospitalization were sought fairly quickly but death couldn’t still be avoided. This year, the symptoms have seemed innocuous but turned fatal in a few hours, making revival quite impossible,” said consultant Arindam Biswas.


On October 13, TOI had reported that changed, muted symptoms have led to the death of several children who have been falling prey more frequently this year.

Some felt that the changed symptoms have not only foxed parents but also left doctors stumped. A doctor at a private hospital off EM Bypass said he came across a child victim who slipped into unconscious and then suffered a multi-organ failure without preceding symptoms. “He had apparent symptoms of fluid loss and didn’t suffer a platelet drop or haemorrhage either. In such cases, there’s little that a hospital can do to do save a patient,” he said.

Fortis Hospital internal medicine consultant Joydeep Ghosh pointed out that children and elderly were more susceptible to dengue due to their lower immunity. “This year, we have come across more children who suffered fluid loss rather than haemorrhage. The fever, too, has been lower this year. In a few cases, fever has been absent altogether. These have made parents wait rather than seek immediate medical help, which has turned out to be fatal,” added Ghosh.

Paediatrician Shantanu Ray pointed out that proper hydration was needed to save children’s lives. “Platelet drop is not the only danger sign. Fluid loss can also be fatal and it’s necessary to monitor it and take the right measures. There is a tendency to infuse fluids indiscriminately, which could again be dangerous,” said Ray.

Meanwhile, residents of Azamgarh near Jadavpur — where two succumbed to dengue this week — agitated in the area on Friday after the KMC set up a vigilance camp. Measures are being taken too late, they alleged. More than 10, including 2-3 children, are suffering from suspected dengue in the neighbourhood.

“It is unfortunate that after KMC has swung into action after the deaths. The civic body should have maintained a constant vigil since this is a dengue-prone area?” said Naresh Prasad, a resident. Home-maker Shukla Mondal, his neighbour, said people in the area have been living in constant fear.

“At least 15 have been suffering from dengue at Azamgarh. Had the civic body taken timely steps, the outbreak could have been avoided,” she said.