In UP, a mysterious viral outbreak has killed at least 32 kids in a week. To carry out a probe in the matter, CM Adityanath set up special teams. The outbreak comes at a time when several states across the nation is once again showing increase in its daily COVID-19 cases, about 3 months after the second wave of the pandemic hit its peak, and then gradually subsided.
Details
As India continues with its effort to vaccinate as many people above the age of 18 years before the suspected third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hits the nation, a new development in Uttar Pradesh is alarming, to say the least.
The Facts of the Matter
In the past week, UP’s Firozabad has turned into the epicenter of a new mysterious viral outbreak with as many as 70 deaths to its name, including 32 children.
Reportedly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to the government hospital in Firozabad to take a stock of the situation and review the treatment as well as its overall preparedness.
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What Makes the Outbreak ‘Mysterious’?
According to Mr. Amit Gupta, Agra Divisional Commissioner, 40 deaths were reported in Firozabad in the last 7 days with the primary cause so far being ascertained as dengue. He further added, “Other causes are being ascertained as well.”
What makes the outbreak “mysterious” is the fact that although the symptoms are that of a dengue disease, some patients, before they died, showed symptoms of “scrub typhus”. Scrub typhus is similar to dengue as its also caused by bacteria and is a vector borne disease.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was himself quoted by a Hindustan Times report saying that multiple localities in Firozabad were hit by “mysterious dengue-like viral fever”.
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32 Kids, 7 Adults Dead Because of ‘Suspicious Fever’
“A separate ward has been created for this suspicious fever in Firozabad and the dedicated Covid-19 ward has been reserved as separate ward. There have been three deaths at Medical College. In all, 32 children and seven adults have died because of the suspicious fever,” the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was quoted saying.
“Due to lack of awareness at the local level, the patients were taken to private hospitals and clinics. After learning about the fever, the health department and administration appraised authorities of the situation at the state level,” CM Adityanath further added.
Special Teams Created, 200 Kids at 300-Bed Facility
Claiming that the state has taken immediate measures to get a control on the outbreak, CM Adityanath also added that special teams have been created that will be examining the outbreak. Further, he also added that authorities have been appraised to keep ambulances ready to bring patients to hospitals.
The first case of the mysterious fever was detected on August 18 and as the outbreak progressed, the UP government set up a pediatric isolation ward. In the past 2 days, 3 children already lost their lives due to the disease. Reportedly, over 200 kids are admitted Firozabad Medical College’s 300-bed makeshift facility.
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Complete Closure of Schools, Coaching Classes in Firozabad
Meanwhile, to avoid any further mishaps, the Firozabad DM (District Magistrate) Chandra Vijay Singh issued an order for a complete closure of schools and coaching classes for 1st class to 8th class till September 6. Issuing the order on August 30, 2021, the DM said that the order stands for both non-government and government schools across the district.
