Pneumonia cases double in Pune children after Ganesh festival gatherings.
Hospitals crowded, with some young patients needing oxygen support.
Doctors warn early treatment and vaccination are crucial.
Pune, 16 September 2025: Pune is witnessing a sharp rise in pneumonia cases among children, with doctors warning that infections have doubled or even tripled over the past few weeks.
The increase follows the recently concluded Ganesh festival, where large gatherings and close contact likely fuel the spread of respiratory infections. Seasonal viral illnesses, monsoon-related infections, and rising pollution have also contributed to the surge.
Health experts say the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of pneumonia in young children this season. The infection typically brings fever, cough, cold, and breathing difficulty. Children under five are the most vulnerable, as their immune systems are weaker. If left untreated, the infection can worsen and lead to serious breathing problems.
Doctors at Pune’s Kamla Nehru Hospital report that the number of daily pediatric cases has jumped from around 70–80 to nearly 100–150. “In some children, the infection is mild and responds to antibiotics and rest, but severe cases require oxygen support due to lung infection,” said Dr. Smita Sangade, head of the hospital’s pediatric department.
Several patients have been referred to other facilities because of the growing demand for oxygen beds.
Sasoon Hospital has recorded a similar spike. Dr. Aarti Kinikar, head of its pediatric department, said respiratory illnesses rise every year during this season, but this time RSV is particularly prominent. “After the Ganesh festival, we always see an uptick in such infections,” she said, adding that both outpatient and intensive care units are seeing more child patients than usual.
Doctors advise parents to stay alert for warning signs such as fever, cough, chills, rapid breathing, or reduced feeding in infants. Early treatment can prevent complications. They also recommend keeping children away from sick family members, ensuring timely vaccinations, including the flu shot, maintaining hygiene at home, and using masks for school-going kids.
