Muzaffarpur is witnessing a severe outbreak of viral fever that has become a growing health concern. In the last 24 hours alone, six children have lost their lives, while nearly 80 children have been admitted to hospitals across the district. Among them, half a dozen are in critical condition and are currently on ventilator support. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at both SKMCH and Kejriwal Hospital are completely full, forcing doctors to accommodate two children on a single bed for treatment.
Hospitals Overwhelmed by Rising Viral Fever Cases
The sudden rise in viral infections has created panic among parents and hospital authorities. Long queues of anxious families with sick children can be seen outside the Outpatient Department (OPD) at SKMCH. Doctors are working around the clock, but the situation remains alarming. The pediatric wards at SKMCH are overflowing, leaving the hospital staff struggling to manage the increasing number of patients.
At the Sadar Hospital, eight children have been admitted, and around sixty others were treated in the OPD. Meanwhile, Kejriwal Hospital is also flooded with sick children. Doctors there say that due to the unavailability of ventilators, many critical cases are being referred to SKMCH for intensive medical care.
Doctors Warn of Complications and Rising Infections
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a child specialist at SKMCH, explained that the changing weather is a major cause behind the surge in viral infections. Many children are being diagnosed with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, conditions that can arise from both viral and bacterial infections. According to him, the combination of weather fluctuations and pollution has created a perfect environment for these illnesses to spread rapidly among children.
He added that many patients are also testing positive for rotavirus, adenovirus, and para-influenza virus, which are causing symptoms like fever, cough, chest congestion, and stomach pain. These viruses are particularly harmful for young children with weaker immunity. The condition of several patients has become critical because of multiple infections and delayed medical attention.
Pollution and Weather Changes Worsening the Situation
At Kejriwal Hospital, pediatrician Dr. Rajiv Kumar shared similar concerns. He said that the constant fluctuation in temperature and rising pollution levels have worsened children’s health in recent weeks. As their immune systems are not as strong as adults, they are more vulnerable to infections.
According to Dr. Rajiv Kumar, even after administering proper doses of medicines, the recovery process in children is slower than expected. In some cases, doctors are compelled to increase the dosage depending on the patient’s condition. He further mentioned that apart from viral fever, children are also suffering from waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases due to contaminated food and water.
Six Deaths Reported in 24 Hours
Health authorities confirmed that six children have died within the last 24 hours due to viral fever and related complications. Most of the deceased were from rural areas surrounding Muzaffarpur. The local health department has initiated immediate action to monitor the situation and prevent further spread. Teams have been deployed to affected areas to assess the causes and ensure medical assistance reaches those in need.
Doctors say that early diagnosis and timely medical treatment are crucial in controlling such outbreaks. They have urged parents not to ignore symptoms like continuous fever, vomiting, or breathing problems in children and to seek medical help immediately.
Preventive Measures Suggested by Doctors
Health experts are stressing that prevention is the most effective solution against the current viral wave. Vaccination, hygiene, and nutrition are key factors in keeping children safe. Doctors have recommended that parents ensure their children receive all necessary vaccines, including Typhoid, Jaundice, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Rotavirus, Varicella, and Pertussis vaccines.
Vaccination helps strengthen the body’s immune system, protecting not only the child but also others in the community. Doctors also emphasized that vaccines must be administered at the right age and dosage for maximum effectiveness.
Cleanliness is another vital preventive measure. Maintaining a clean home environment helps stop the spread of infections. Children should be kept away from sick individuals to prevent transmission. Parents are also advised to give their children a balanced and nutritious diet to boost their immunity. Regular medical check-ups and adherence to doctors’ advice are essential to keeping children healthy.
Environment and Hygiene Play a Vital Role
Doctors across Muzaffarpur have highlighted that environmental cleanliness can play a significant role in controlling viral outbreaks. With pollution levels rising and stagnant water becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes, children are exposed to several health risks. Simple steps like cleaning surroundings, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring proper drinking water can drastically reduce infection risks.
Parents have also been advised to ensure that their children wash hands frequently, avoid eating uncovered street food, and consume boiled or filtered water. Clean living conditions, proper ventilation, and regular sanitization of children’s rooms are strongly recommended.
Health Department’s Response to the Outbreak
The Muzaffarpur Health Department has launched an emergency response plan. Hospitals have been instructed to increase bed capacity and maintain adequate supplies of essential medicines and oxygen cylinders. The department is also monitoring the situation closely and collecting data on new admissions daily.
Public awareness campaigns are being initiated to educate families about hygiene, nutrition, and early detection of symptoms. The health department is also coordinating with local authorities to ensure that proper sanitation measures are implemented in affected areas.
Urgent Need for Awareness and Preparedness
Experts believe that the recurring outbreak of viral fever in Muzaffarpur highlights the urgent need for public awareness and improved healthcare infrastructure. Repeated cases of overcrowding in hospitals show that preventive measures at the community level are still lacking. Timely vaccination, improved sanitation, and access to clean water can prevent such crises in the future.
Doctors have also urged the public to remain calm but alert. Panic and self-medication can worsen the situation. Parents should follow medical advice and avoid giving medicines without consulting a doctor.
A Collective Effort Needed to Combat Viral Fever
The current viral fever outbreak in Muzaffarpur serves as a reminder that health safety is a shared responsibility. From hospitals to households, every individual must take steps to protect children from infections. While doctors and health workers continue their efforts on the frontlines, public cooperation is equally vital.
Keeping children indoors during temperature fluctuations, providing nutritious food, ensuring timely vaccination, and maintaining cleanliness can go a long way in preventing further tragedies. As Muzaffarpur battles this growing health crisis, awareness, hygiene, and timely treatment remain the strongest weapons against the spread of disease.
