Kumanovo, 13 December 2024 (MIA) — The Kumanovo Hospital is seeing rising numbers of sick children, with an average of 80 children being examined in the outpatient clinic for symptoms of "a respiratory virus" — airway obstructions, pneumonia, coughing, high fever, sore throat — and "enterocolitis," MIA's Kumanovo correspondent reports.

"We are observing an increased number of children with respiratory symptoms, airway obstructions. Older children with bronchopneumonia, and a more severe clinical picture," children's unit chief Dr. Margica Arsovska said.

She said 11 children were currently hospitalized in the ward and another 15 in the outpatient clinic, the youngest patients being only 20-25 weeks old.

"They complain of coughing, fever, sore throat. What worries parents the most is the increased fever and difficulty breathing," she said.

The doctor said the sick children also refused food and fluids and were fatigued. 

"Ninety percent of those admitted to the hospital have respiratory infections. A smaller number have enterocolitis," Arsovska said.

Other doctors from the Kumanovo Hospital said they expected the "respiratory virus" infections to peak in January and February. 

As prevention, they recommend "a diet rich in vitamins and minerals" as well as supplementing vitamins D and C, and fish oil, "but not too much."

They also advise parents "to avoid gatherings at indoor playhouses" and recommend that "babies up to 24 months – whose immune systems are still not developed — should not attend day care, if at all possible."

According to Arsovska, children should be taken for walks, but only when the air outside is not polluted. And parents, "if they can, should buy air purifiers," she said.

She also noted the shortage of health workers in Kumanovo.

"Currently we have four specialist pediatricians, one medical resident and one general practitioner, which is not enough for the entire city and its surroundings. There is also a shortage of nursing staff. We hope there will be new hires in January," she said. mr/