Unusual Symptoms Alert: New Virus Outbreak in Jaipur, 6 Patients Deaf; Children’s Brain, Kidneys, Heart Also Affected

Outbreak of Gaal Pachholiya in Rajasthan

A virus known as Gaal Pachholiya is spreading rapidly in Rajasthan, causing a loss of hearing ability in those affected. Even children are included among the victims. Simultaneously, there has been a decrease in the ability of many patients to hear due to this virus.

Shortage of Vaccines in Government Hospitals

A new concern is that no vaccine is available in the state’s government hospitals. Cases of this viral disease, which used to be recorded once a year due to coughing and sneezing, are now being reported every day. These patients are flocking to SMS Hospital in Jaipur, along with other public and private hospitals.

What is Gaal Pachholiya?

Gaal Pachholiya is different from common flu, and its prevention methods are also different. Doctors are concerned about the increasing cases of this disease and its potential impacts. Read on to learn more about this situation.

Why is Gaal Pachholiya a Serious Disease for Children?

Gaal Pachholiya is a viral disease transmitted from one person to another through coughing and sneezing. If timely care is provided, children infected with Gaal Pachholiya usually recover within about two weeks. However, in some cases, it can take longer due to the severity of the condition. In such situations, the virus can affect not only the respiratory system but also the brain, kidneys, and heart of children.

Why Gaal Pachholiya is a Serious Disease?

Gaal Pachholiya is a viral illness that can spread through coughing and sneezing, potentially affecting the brain and causing seizures. Concerningly, there is no data available regarding the number of affected patients due to lack of awareness about the disease.

Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored

Symptoms of Gaal Pachholiya may resemble common illnesses, but in one out of three cases, there may be no symptoms at all. Sometimes, symptoms of Gaal Pachholiya appear after two to three weeks.

If a person experiences severe headache, drowsiness, or significant pain, it should not be ignored as a common illness. Seeking medical advice is crucial, especially if there is fever, headache, and muscle pain, as these may indicate a severe condition.

Affected individuals may also face challenges in opening their mouth and may experience stiffness in the jaw, which can affect chewing.

Increasing Cases of Gaal Pachholiya in Rajasthan

Across districts like Bikaner, Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, and Sikar in Rajasthan, an alarming rise in Gaal Pachholiya cases has been observed. According to Dr. Mohanish Grover, Senior Professor in the ENT department at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, Gaal Pachholiya season is currently ongoing and is expected to persist until April. He further noted that people of all ages in Jaipur city are falling victim to this infectious disease.

Dr. Grover expressed concern over the rapid increase in Gaal Pachholiya cases, highlighting that previously, only one or two patients would visit SMS Hospital every two to three months. However, the current scenario sees an influx of 40 to 50 patients each month. Moreover, children are now more affected by this disease than before.

Gaal Pachholiya Affecting Adults Alongside Children

Dr. Shubhkam Arya, Senior ENT Specialist at a private hospital, revealed that Gaal Pachholiya is a viral disease affecting both children and adults. The disease has seen a surge in cases recently, with two to three patients presenting daily. The main concern lies in the possibility of viral mutations, sparking fears of a resurgence of the disease. Dr. Arya emphasized the necessity of including the vaccine in the national immunization program to combat the spread effectively.

The lack of vaccination has left even adults vulnerable to the disease. This year, there has been a notable increase in Gaal Pachholiya cases, with two to three cases reported recently, compared to one or two cases in previous years.

Government Seeks Reports on Gaal Pachholiya Cases

The increasing cases of Gaal Pachholiya have raised concerns within the health department. The department has requested data records from all state-run and private hospitals regarding both pediatric and adult patients. This initiative aims to gather accurate information about individuals affected by the viral disease.

So far, hospitals had not been providing reports on Gaal Pachholiya and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). However, now all hospitals in the state have been asked to submit data on patients suffering from Gaal Pachholiya. A comprehensive report will be prepared and forwarded to the medical department for further action.

Concerns Over Irregular Vaccination

As part of the National Immunization Programme, children were administered the Measles, Rubella, and Mumps (MMR) vaccine soon after birth. However, for several years now, only the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination has been provided. Vaccination against Mumps has not been included.

Aware individuals have been arranging for their children to receive the Mumps vaccination at private hospitals, costing them approximately 800 rupees per dose. Concerns over the exclusion of Mumps vaccination from the national programme have prompted a letter from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics to include Mumps in the national vaccination schedule.

Cochlear Implant: Sole Solution for Permanent Hearing Loss due to Mumps

The management of patients suffering from hearing loss due to mumps has been significantly challenged by the permanent impairment of their ability to hear, making the cochlear implant the only viable solution. It is a small electronic device surgically implanted in both adults and children. It contains a microphone that converts sound waves into digital signals, which are then transmitted to a receiver.

The receiver sends these signals to electrodes implanted in the cochlea, stimulating the auditory nerve directly. Consequently, the patient perceives sound, albeit in a digital format. While some doctors caution that cochlear implants may not be 100% effective and may require fine-tuning over the years, they remain one of the most effective treatments available. The cost of a cochlear implant is approximately 6.5 lakh rupees.

Precautions for Mumps Outbreak

Mumps is a contagious viral infection, hence patients should wear masks. Isolate individuals affected by mumps. If a child has mumps, keep them away from other children. Do not share the patient’s clothes, handkerchiefs, or towels. Regularly wash hands with soap. If a child is affected by mumps, administer the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.

Vaccination is the only protection against mumps. According to doctors, the mumps vaccine is available. Children should receive their first vaccination in the ninth month. It is administered in two doses at regular intervals. The vaccine provides protection against this disease. Now it can also be administered in private hospitals.