What is Adenovirus? Know its signs and symptoms, spread and more

West Bengal has recorded a sharp spike in adenovirus cases among children, the virus was found in at least 32% of samples of respiratory infections among kids by the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED). Hospital wards across West Bengal are full of children suffering from respiratory infections, most of which are caused by adenovirus infection, as per reports. Their name derives from their initial isolation from human adenoids in 1953.

Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses that infect the lining of our eyes, lungs, intestines, urinary tact and nervous system. These viruses typically cause mild cold- or flu-like illness. Adenoviruses can cause illness in people of all ages any time of year.

Adenoviruses can cause mild to severe illness, though serious illness is less common. People with weakened immune systems, or existing respiratory or cardiac disease, are at higher risk of developing severe illness from an adenovirus infection.

Symptoms:

Adenoviruses can cause a wide range of illnesses such as

• common cold or flu-like symptoms
• fever
• sore throat
• acute bronchitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs, sometimes called a "chest cold")
• pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines causing diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain)

Transmission:

Adenoviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.

Prevention

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Don't let them swim in pools that aren't well maintained.

There are no approved vaccines or antiviral medicines for patients with adenovirus infection. Since most cases are mild, symptoms can be managed by over-the-counter pain and fever medicines in the prescribed doses.