Ronan Kelly
Retired 2020
Mystery fever grips city ahead of season change
TNN | Sep 16, 2015, 02.23 AM IST
KOLKATA: The fever that has spread across the city is not the usual turn-of-season illness. More severe than last season and accompanied by a persistent allergic cough, thousands have been affected over the last two weeks. While scores have been hospitalized, many have been on steroids to cure the cough. It is not life-threatening like dengue, but the fever has left doctors worried.
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Paracetamol and anti-allergy drugs are often not proving to be enough, admit experts. They are surprised that the fever has hit before the season changed. "It may be a mutated viral strain but we are not sure since that requires analysis. But temperature fluctuation has helped to keep the virus alive," said Amitabha Saha, consultant, Ruby Hospital.
The hospital has admitted more than a dozen patients suffering from the fever. "High temperature and cough are common. But what has been worrying us is the cough. Steroid is the only other option for many patients. Fever epidemics in Kolkata have rarely been more severe in recent years," added Saha.
While the fever has struck across all age groups, it is the elderly who have been suffering the most. "Persistent cough is leading to joint pain. But we are relying on paracetamol and normal medicines rather than resorting to steroids. The latter could be detrimental for the elderly," said Arindam Kar, critical care head, Medica Superspecialty Hospital.
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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ead-of-season-change/articleshow/48978660.cms
Comment: Given the increase in Influenza cases reported from several states, one wonders if any influenza testing is happening in Bengal or whether its even being considered as a possible diagnosis? - Ro
TNN | Sep 16, 2015, 02.23 AM IST
KOLKATA: The fever that has spread across the city is not the usual turn-of-season illness. More severe than last season and accompanied by a persistent allergic cough, thousands have been affected over the last two weeks. While scores have been hospitalized, many have been on steroids to cure the cough. It is not life-threatening like dengue, but the fever has left doctors worried.
...
Paracetamol and anti-allergy drugs are often not proving to be enough, admit experts. They are surprised that the fever has hit before the season changed. "It may be a mutated viral strain but we are not sure since that requires analysis. But temperature fluctuation has helped to keep the virus alive," said Amitabha Saha, consultant, Ruby Hospital.
The hospital has admitted more than a dozen patients suffering from the fever. "High temperature and cough are common. But what has been worrying us is the cough. Steroid is the only other option for many patients. Fever epidemics in Kolkata have rarely been more severe in recent years," added Saha.
While the fever has struck across all age groups, it is the elderly who have been suffering the most. "Persistent cough is leading to joint pain. But we are relying on paracetamol and normal medicines rather than resorting to steroids. The latter could be detrimental for the elderly," said Arindam Kar, critical care head, Medica Superspecialty Hospital.
...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ead-of-season-change/articleshow/48978660.cms
Comment: Given the increase in Influenza cases reported from several states, one wonders if any influenza testing is happening in Bengal or whether its even being considered as a possible diagnosis? - Ro