None of the samples tested positive for COVID-19, but most of the patients had influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus.
Hundreds of children have been hospitalized with symptoms of the viral infection in several districts of North Bengal. Reports that at least six children have died in the past few days – three in Jalpaiguri, two in Malda and one in Uttar Dinjapur – have sparked fear and panic in the state.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting at SSKM Hospital on 16 September on the emerging health situation. State Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam said there was nothing to panic and most of the children were infected with Influenza B and RS (respiratory syncytial) virus. He said that children are suffering from other diseases along with fever. He said the state has adequate infrastructure to deal with the situation.
A team of experts has reached North Bengal and the state government is preparing a standard operating procedure for the treatment of children suffering from fever. Hundreds of children have been admitted to various government hospitals in North Bengal – 112 in Cooch Behar, 113 in Alipurduar, 92 in Jalpaiguri, 86 in Darjeeling, 196 in Malda, 92 in South Dinajpur and 64 in North Dinajpur.
Samples of children with fever were sent to the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, where they tested positive for influenza B and RS (respiratory syncytial) viruses. While none of the samples were found positive for COVID-19, some children were found to be suffering from dengue.
Children have also been reported sick from Purulia and Durgapur.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s state leadership highlighted the issue and sought a response from the Chief Minister, who holds the health portfolio.
“I urge the WB health secretary to kindly heed the disturbing news coming out of North Bengal where over 750 children have been admitted to hospitals for high fever and flu-like symptoms. Please initiate measures at the earliest as 6 infants have already died,” said Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
Mr Adhikari wrote to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urging him to send a central team to West Bengal. State BJP President Dilip Ghosh said that in such a worrying situation, the Chief Minister and his entire cabinet seemed busy in the election campaign.
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