Agencies. KOLKATA, JUNE 4, 2025 ; West Bengal reported 60 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, according to official data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. During the same period, 28 people recovered from the disease. The total number of active cases in the state stands at 432. The death toll remains at one, the data showed.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is conducting awareness programmes for parents and students to educate them about the symptoms of seasonal flu and COVID-19, aiming to dispel unnecessary fear and panic caused by rumours surrounding the virus.
At a programme held in Serampore, Dr. Pradeep Das, President of the Serampore IMA, said that people of all ages are being affected by seasonal flu-like conditions. Common symptoms include: High fever, Cold and cough, Headache, Body ache, Runny or blocked nose, Throat pain and Restlessness
“These initial symptoms are quite similar to those of COVID-19,” said Dr. Das. However, he emphasised that there is no need to panic, as symptomatic treatment is generally effective for such illnesses.
He further advised that if symptoms persist beyond five days, a doctor may recommend blood tests to determine the exact cause.
Students experiencing flu-like symptoms have been advised not to attend school until fully recovered. The use of masks and hand sanitisers is recommended to prevent the spread of infections. Self-medication is discouraged, and treatment should focus on rest, adequate fluid intake, and symptomatic management, especially in mild COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Das also noted that individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, or lung problems should take extra precautions if affected by viral fevers.
West Bengal’s latest tally of 60 fresh COVID-19 cases includes a seven-month-old baby, indicating a sharp rise in infections. With these new cases, the total number of COVID-positive patients in the state has risen to 432 this year.
On Monday, the state recorded 41 new cases, bringing the total to 372. The baby, now undergoing treatment at a private hospital along the EM Bypass, is reportedly stable, while the child’s mother is symptomatic and awaiting test results.
Tragically, the state recently recorded its first COVID-19 fatality of the season — a 43-year-old woman from Howrah who died at a private hospital in the Ekbalpur area. She was admitted about a week ago with symptoms of bacterial pneumonia and was on ventilator support. She tested COVID-19 positive at the hospital. The patient had multiple comorbidities, including cardiac and kidney ailments, and her condition deteriorated significantly over 48 hours, according to hospital sources.
The West Bengal Health Department at Swasthya Bhaban, Salt Lake has yet to issue an official bulletin regarding the total number of patients currently admitted to hospitals. However, in response to the rising numbers, health authorities issued fresh guidelines on Tuesday:
Key Instructions:
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Nasal swab samples from suspected COVID-19 patients must be sent to the School of Tropical Medicine (STM) on C.R. Avenue for genome sequencing to determine the virus variant.
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Priority surveillance is to be provided for patients with co-morbidities.
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Monitoring should be strengthened for patients showing symptoms of respiratory distress, cough, and cold.
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Infrastructure at fever clinics across state-run hospitals and healthcare centres should be upgraded and reinforced.
A senior pulmonologist from a premier private hospital in the Alipore area added:
“We have to strictly follow precautionary measures — like wearing masks, using hand sanitisers, and avoiding crowded places. There is no need to panic as the mortality rate remains low so far.”
