Central idea: 19 children below the age of five years have died in State-run institutions due to acute respiratory infection (ARI) caused by Adenovirus.

What is Adenovirus Infection?

• Adenoviruses are common viruses that typically cause mild cold or flu-like illness and are usually spread from an infected person to others by close personal contact
• The virus is transmitted through the air by coughing and sneezing and also by touching an object or surface with adenoviruses on it
• While the virus can affect people of any age group, children with low and compromised immunity are at a higher risk
• Symptoms of the viral infection, other than common cold or flu-like symptoms, include acute bronchitis, pneumonia, pink eye (conjunctivitis), and acute gastroenteritis

Reasons for outbreak in Bengal

• Doctors claim that it is the recombinant strain which is the reason for the spike in infections and deaths.
• Most of the children who have been infected by the virus are less than three years old and were born during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Children who are in the age group of six months to preschool are most susceptible to viral infection.

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