Spurt in fever, respiratory tract infections among children in Bengaluru

One doctor said it is advisable for children to wear a mask and not attend school if they have fever or any flu-like symptoms. If the symptoms persist for two days, parents should seek medical advice.

Doctors in Bengaluru are noticing a spurt in viral fever and respiratory tract infections among school-going children. Paediatricians said one in every 10 child is down with a flu-like infection over the last three weeks.

Attributing this to inclement weather and reopening of schools, doctors said most children reporting a flu-like infection are developing viral pneumonia.

Chikkanarasa Reddy, professor of paediatrics at Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College and Research Institute, is seeing over 70 children every day at the hospital with high grade fever, cold, cough, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

“The incidence is almost double what we saw in May, and this is mainly after schools reopened. Besides, we are also seeing up to 3 confirmed dengue cases every day. However, there is no severity, and most are recovering in a short period,” he said.

S.R. Lakshmipathy, Senior Consultant - Paediatrics at K.C. General Hospital, said the paediatric ward in the hospital is running full. “Almost all children have flu, wheeze-associated lower airway infections, and viral pneumonia. Many are requiring admission,” he said.

The doctor is also seeing over six children every day with dengue-like symptoms, of which at least three are testing positive for the vector-borne disease. Advising precautions, the doctor said apart from schools, the fluctuating weather is adding to the problem. 

Dr. Reddy said it is advisable for children to wear a mask and not attend school if they have fever or any flu-like symptoms. If the symptoms persist for two days, parents should seek medical advice,” he said.