March 16, 2023
- Adenovirus cases are on the rise in West Bengal and children suffering from the viral infection have had to be hospitalised across the state.
- The disease spreads through sneezing, coughing and physical contact with an individual who is infected. The virus can infect people of all age groups, but children aged five or younger are at a higher risk of contracting the infection.
- Adenovirus is a type of virus that affects the respiratory tract and leads to mild cold to severe respiratory conditions.
- Common symptoms of the infection include conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, bronchitis and pneumonia.
- As there is no effective vaccine against the adenovirus, health officials have instructed individuals who are infected to remain in isolation to prevent the disease’s spread.
- People have been instructed to wash their hands using soap and water, use masks, avoid touching their face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with infected individuals and consume filtered water and hygienic, home-cooked food.
