Understanding Adenovirus - It's symptoms, treatment and precautions

Bengal health authorities have been asked to be vigilant after the state recorded a big spike in adenovirus cases that has led to pediatric wards in state-run and private hospitals filling up fast. Health officials say at least 32 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. In the last 2 months, 11 kids have died in West Bengal, with the latest one being a 2.5-year-old in Kolkata.

Symptoms:

Infected people may have relatively mild symptoms like a cold or flu, a fever, and a sore throat, or acute bronchitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and acute gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach. Adenovirus can cause mild and severe illnesses but the latter is relatively uncommon. People with weak immune systems, and existing respiratory or cardiac diseases are at higher risk of developing severe illness from adenovirus.

Transmission:

The virus is usually transmitted by physical contact with an infected person, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. It can also be spread through the air (via coughs and sneezes) or a patient's stool; for example while changing diapers.

Treatment:

There is currently no specific course of treatment or approved antiviral medication. Since most cases are mild, they are managed by painkillers or medication to manage symptoms. Doctors suggest the best way to tackle the infection is prevention. Steps to avoid getting infected include avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands and regularly using soap or sanitizer to wash your hands.