Unidentified Viral Infection Spreads Across Kolkata, Worsening Respiratory Distress and Hospital Capacity

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of residents across Kolkata are falling prey to an unidentified viral infection, causing a significant spike in hospital admissions and occupancy rates. The middle-aged and elderly are being hit the hardest, with symptoms including a severe cough, lingering fever, and respiratory distress. As the city prepares for Diwali celebrations, doctors are warning of a potential worsening of the situation due to pollution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hospital occupancy rates have risen sharply across the city, with Woodlands Hospital reporting a 15% to 25% increase in OPD footfall over the past few weeks.
  • BP Poddar Hospital has reached 91% occupancy, with its ICUs running at full capacity.
  • Charnock Hospitals have seen a post-puja spurt in occupancy, with elective procedures and emergency heart cases on the rise.
  • Patients with obstructive airway diseases are advised to be cautious during the festive season.
  • Ruby General Hospital has seen a 30% uptick in OPD footfall, while Narayana Hospital, Howrah, has experienced a sharp rise in OPD footfall triggered by a seasonal spike in flu, viral fever, and dengue.
  • Doctors are advising people to avoid exposure to smoke and strong fumes, stay indoors during peak hours of fireworks, and use an N95 mask.

Statistics:

  • Hospital occupancy rates have risen to 80% at Peerless Hospital, up from around 50% in late September.
  • Ruby General Hospital has seen a 30% uptick in OPD footfall compared to the average.
  • Narayana Hospital, Howrah, has experienced a sharp rise in OPD footfall triggered by a seasonal spike in flu, viral fever, and dengue.
  • Charnock Hospitals have attended to 53 patients with COPD and related respiratory symptoms at its chest clinic in the last five days.
  • BP Poddar Hospital has been receiving a significant number of cases with unidentified infections and fever of unknown origin.

Sources:

  • Woodlands Hospital
  • BP Poddar Hospital
  • Charnock Hospitals
  • Ruby General Hospital
  • Narayana Hospital, Howrah
  • CMRI Hospital
  • Manipal Hospitals
  • Techno India DAMA Hospital