‘Number of children admitted to pediatric emergency depts still within normal range’

KUWAIT CITY, May 7: The number of children admitted to the pediatric emergency departments in public hospitals is still within the normal range at this time of the year, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources from the health sector.

Sources pointed out that the number of children admitted to hospitals increases during the month of Ramadan and Eid holiday due to the change in weather conditions, particularly the gradual rise in temperatures; as well as the change in food intake after Ramadan.

Sources disclosed most of the children hospitalized in April and early May of each year have stomach flu, influenza, high temperature, body pain, skin rashes, vomiting, abdominal pain, respiratory infections, colds, migraine and sinusitis.

Sources said pediatric patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids, in addition to taking pain relievers and fever reducers. Sources confirmed there have been no cases of hepatitis so far and the Ministry of Health continues to intensify epidemiological investigation efforts as per the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

Health officials specialized in infectious diseases, intensive care, digestive diseases, children and others held online meetings during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday to specify protocols for dealing with any case of hepatitis, sources added.