Viral infection claims lives of 2 NRI school girls in UAE in 2 weeks

Dubai, Nov 15: The death of two NRI students in two weeks due to flu-related complications has triggered panic among people in United Arab Emirates. Several schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have asked the parents not to send their children to school if they are sick.

Ameena Sharaf (9), a grade 4 student of Our Own Indian High School, breathed her last on October 29, due to an acute viral infection, possibly flu. Aliya Niyaz Ali (17), a Grade 12 student of Indian High School Dubai died on November 13 due to similar complications.

Amreena was first admitted to a leading hospital in Bur Dubai on October 22 and shifted to the Al Jalila Children’s Hospital (AJCH) on October 24 as the infection had affected her heart. She was being treated for nausea, vomiting, fever and fatigue but the virus had affected her heart and she succumbed to her condition. Ameena is survived by three other siblings.

Aliya had attended the school until November 12 in spite of suffering from fever. She was admitted to Rashid Hospital on November 13 and passed away by night.

Aliya was first taken to Dr Joseph’s Polyclinic on November 9 with symptoms of flu. Dr Mohammad Koya, general physician, who initially treated her, said: “The patient first came to me on November 9 with mild fever and rhinitis. I prescribed her paracetamol and antihistamines.”

He added: “The patient reported again on November 13 with severe chest and upper abdomen pain. I suspected viral myocarditis and referred her to Rashid Hospital.”

Her funeral took place at Al Qouz cemetery on November 14 morning and was attended by family members, friends and the school officials.

“Guys, with great sorrow and regret, we’re informing you about the death of a fellow batch mate from the girls section, supposedly caused due to flu,” stated a message circulated by the school’s student council to parents. It also advised them to keep children safe by giving them the flu vaccine, making them wash hands, and wear face masks in crowded areas.

Flu-related deaths

Flu-related deaths are not entirely uncommon and are a major issue across the globe. According to 2018 statistics made available on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, every year, influenza (the virus that causes flu symptoms) annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths across the globe.

The report added: "The effects of seasonal influenza epidemics in developing countries are not fully known, but research estimates that 99 per cent of deaths in children under five years of age with influenza-related lower respiratory tract infections are found in developing countries."