INFLUENZA (02): INDIA (WEST BENGAL) INFLUENZA B, CHILDREN
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A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.orgDate: Wed 9 Apr 2025
Source: Urban Acres [edited] https://urbanacres.in/kolkata-faces-persistent-influenza-b-cases-amid-heatwave/Kolkata [capital city of West Bengal state] is facing an unexpected
health challenge. Cases of influenza B, a virus typically more
prevalent during the monsoon and colder months, are still making their
presence felt across the city. Health experts are puzzled by the
persistence of these infections, especially considering the seasonal
shift.Currently, hospitals such as the Institute of Child Health (ICH) and
Manipal Mukundapur are treating several children for influenza B
infections, with some requiring intensive care. At ICH, 3 children are
undergoing treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), one
of whom is on a ventilator. The persistence of such cases is unusual,
given that the virus usually peaks in the colder, rainier months.
Prabhas Prasun Giri, in charge of the PICU at ICH, expressed his
concern over the ongoing cases, noting that it is uncommon for
influenza B to continue spreading during the summer heat.Influenza B, a highly contagious virus, spreads through respiratory
droplets from an infected person. While many infected individuals only
experience mild symptoms similar to a common cold, the virus can lead
to severe complications, particularly for children and older adults
with weakened immune systems. According to microbiologist Bhaskar
Narayan Chaudhuri of Peerless Hospital, the virus causes upper
respiratory infections and is easily transmissible, even though it
typically sees a spike in colder months. In March [2025], 9 cases of
influenza B were detected, and so far, 2 new cases have been reported
in the current month [April 2025]. The majority of the cases have
involved children. For most, the symptoms include fever, cough, sore
throat, body aches, and fatigue. In severe instances, the virus can
escalate to pneumonia, bronchitis, or even respiratory failure,
requiring hospitalisation.The rise in cases is being attributed to a mix of factors, one of
which is increased awareness following the COVID-19 pandemic. As
people have become more vigilant about health and testing, doctors
believe that the numbers of reported cases may reflect a greater
willingness to seek medical attention.“In the past, people rarely came forward for testing. But now,
post-COVID, there’s more awareness about the importance of testing for
viral infections,” said molecular pathologist Abhirup Sarkar, director
of Suraksha Diagnostics.However, what remains puzzling to health professionals is the
prolonged nature of the symptoms in many cases. While influenza B is
usually manageable and vaccine-preventable, the duration of illness in
some children is far longer than expected. Notably, unlike previous
outbreaks where younger children were most affected, this time, older
children seem to be more vulnerable. Health experts suggest that
school-going children, who are in constant contact with peers, are
especially prone to the spread of the virus.In response to these cases, health officials are urging the public to
take necessary precautions such as maintaining hand hygiene, wearing
masks, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. While the
number of cases is not yet alarming, experts stress the importance of
continued vigilance.“The number of cases is not high, and there’s no need to panic at this
stage. However, we are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that
we can take action swiftly if there’s a spike,” said a senior health
official.As the city continues to battle this unseasonal surge in influenza B
cases, Kolkata’s healthcare system remains under pressure to manage
the situation. With school children being a primary concern,
authorities will need to step up efforts to contain the spread of the
virus and ensure public safety as the summer months progress.