Adenovirus is likely to cast its shadow on Holi celebrations across Kolkata with parents wary of their children falling ill.
Around 15 children have died of flu-like symptoms in the city in the past two months and paediatric intensive care units are recording a constant flow of patients.
High fever and cough being the most common symptoms of adenovrius flu, parents and schools are shunning watercolours.
Doctors, too, have warned against catching a cold. Anyone with flu-like symptoms must isolate themselves.
“Viruses replicate better in a cooler environment and when a human body is wet for a long time, it becomes cold and susceptible to infections. Along with that, the crowding during Holi would also increase the possibility of infection,” pulmonologist Raja Dhar said.
Pranati Dutta, a homemaker from Baghajatin and a mother of a four-year-old boy, has decided not to allow wet colours this Holi. “My son was down with high fever and throat infection last week. At one point, the fever rose to 105 degrees and we thought of admitting him to the hospital. However, the temperature started going down after a few hours. So, we will not play Holi with water,” she said.
Dutta’s friend Sweta Agarwal said her four-year-old daughter would mostly play with gulal and natural colours. “To avoid falling sick, last week we did not send her to school. In the present situation, playing Holi with watercolours is out of the question,” Agarwal said.
Montessori school Bal Nilaya at Lake Gardens has also imposed restrictions on pre-Holi celebrations. Principal Anusree Basu said the teachers have been asked to bring organic dry colours and apply small tilaks on the foreheads of students. “There will be no playing with colours and if any student doesn't like the tilak we will not force him or her,” she said. Celebrations would include music and dance under the strict supervision of teachers.
Several housing complexes are also taking precautions for community celebrations. “We have planned a prabhat pheri and in the afternoon there will be the usual Holi celebrations. There will be some restrictions on use of water,” said Dibyendu Roy from Akanksha Housing Complex, New Town.
Golf View Heights in south Kolkata has decided to ban the use of watercolours. “Only gulal will be allowed. Not just children, but adults too are falling ill and in this situation, we would not like to take any chances,” said Krishna Rao, the spokesperson. Rao explained that many people spray water on others, who are not willing to play Holi. “For this, we have decided to impose a ban. Besides this, everything will be usual with a lavish lunch and a cultural event,” he added.