CM Mamata Banerjee says, No need to panic as adenovirus cases spike in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday reassured people that there was no need to panic as adenovirus cases spiked in the state in the past 24 hours. During a press conference, CM Mamata Banerjee stressed there was no evidence of a viral epidemic at present and the government was prepared to tackle any untoward instances related to the spread of the virus.

"The state government is prepared in all respects to deal with the current situation. There is no need to create panic. It is like the seasonal flu. We have arranged for 5,000 beds ready to meet the demands of time," Mamata Banerjee said.

"The current situation is nothing but a seasonal surge and the number of infections due to adenovirus has already declined. This infection can affect any age group, but younger children with co-morbidities like congenital heart disease, severe malnutrition, etc. are at a higher risk of requiring medical attention," she said.

The CM's statement comes after 12 adenovirus fatalities were reported in the



state, including seven children in the last 24 hours, as per a government report.

In the last month, 5213 ARI Cases have been reported, as the press release outlined.

Pediatric wards in Kolkata hospitals have been facing a rush of admissions. BC Roy child hospital and AMRI hospitals are one of the two most prominent government child hospitals in the city, recording a considerable spike in cases.

However, the chief minister explained that the current situation was merely a seasonal surge.

On the other hand, the state government issued standard case management guidelines, and control rooms have been set up to monitor the situation on a 24*7 basis. Availability and full functionality of oxygen and oxygen delivery equipment like MGPS, HFNO, CPAP, paediatric ventilators, etc. have been ensured.

Separate paediatric ARI clinics have been established in every secondary and tertiary care hospital. Further, a round-the-clock pediatric emergency service is also made available.