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Hospitals in Kolkata are reporting a surge in cough, cold and fever cases linked to a mix of respiratory viruses as temperatures fluctuate. Doctors say children and people with chronic lung conditions are seeing more flare-ups and advise symptom-based care and caution with antibiotics.
A report citing provisional data shared with the WHO says India featured among the top ten countries reporting measles outbreaks in 2025, with thousands of cases recorded during April–October. The piece also points to India’s measles-rubella elimination campaign push for 2025–26 and calls for stronger surveillance and last-mile outreach to counter gaps and hesitancy.
After rainfall and stronger winds, Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI improved to 192 (moderate) on January 24, 2026—its first ‘moderate’ day since October 13, 2025. Forecasts, however, warn that pollution levels could worsen again soon.
Health authorities have confirmed Nipah virus infections involving two nurses note-linked to a private hospital near Kolkata, prompting quarantine and expanded surveillance. Officials say the likely exposure was through a patient treated earlier at the same facility, while testing of contacts and broader monitoring has been initiated.
West Bengal has reported suspected Nipah virus cases, prompting isolation protocols, contact tracing and quarantine measures. The Centre has deployed a joint outbreak response team as authorities stress strict infection control in hospitals and heightened surveillance.
IMD’s late-January forecast indicates dense to very dense fog in pockets and isolated cold-wave conditions across parts of north India through January 26, alongside thunderstorms and snowfall risks from a fresh western disturbance—conditions that can raise respiratory stress and accident risk, especially for seniors, children and outdoor workers.
Hospitals in Kolkata reported a rise in cough-and-cold patients amid fluctuating winter temperatures, with clinicians pointing to common respiratory viruses and advising caution on unnecessary antibiotics.