Four people, including a 10-year-old boy, are undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at private hospitals in Kolkata, doctors said, as they advised the public to remain vigilant amid a rise in seasonal viral infections.
Three Covid-19 patients are currently admitted to one private hospital, while the child is being treated at another facility after testing positive earlier this month.
Two patients required ICU care
Dr Subhajit Sen, Consultant Pulmonologist and Critical Care Specialist at the hospital treating the three patients, said one patient has recovered and is being discharged.
The other two patients required admission to the intensive care unit because of low oxygen levels but have responded well to treatment and are now stable, he said.
According to Sen, the current Covid-19 infections resemble the Omicron wave, with most patients reporting mild upper respiratory symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough and body aches.
However, he said elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions remain at greater risk of developing severe illness.
“There is no need to panic, as most patients recover well with timely medical care,” Sen said, advising people to wear masks in crowded places, maintain hand hygiene, avoid unnecessary gatherings during periods of increased viral transmission and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Child admitted after testing positive
On July 18, a 10-year-old boy from Kolkata’s Garia area was admitted to a private hospital with fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Doctors conducted a swab test after suspecting Covid-19 infection, and the result came back positive. The child was later shifted to the ICU isolation unit for treatment.
Covid-19 cases reported in other states
Health authorities have also reported fresh Covid-19 infections in other parts of the country.
According to the IANS report, Andhra Pradesh recorded 12 Covid-19 cases between June 26 and July 16. Four patients with underlying medical conditions also died during the period.
Doctors have also reported new Covid-19 cases in Pune over the past 10 days after a gap of nearly three years, though they said most patients have mild symptoms while urging continued caution.