Doctor warns - Fever, upper respiratory symptoms require immediate medical attention
In the wake of rising cases of infections caused due to Chandipura Nipah virus, senior doctors have warned against fever lasting for more than 24 hours. More than 50 cases of this Chandipura virus, with 16 deaths have been recorded in last few days. Along with this deadly infection the crisis was further compounded with the death of a 14-year-old boy at Malappuram in Kerala on Sunday by Nipah virus. Both these viruses were identified by WHO as one of the priority pathogens due to its epidemic potential.
According to Dr. Hemalatha Arora, senior consultant, Internal Medicine Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital Mumbai said “ These days, most fevers we encounter are usually high grade and may or may not be associated with upper respiratory symptoms. When fevers are accompanied by upper respiratory symtomps such as cough, sore throat, or congestion, they are often indictive of viral infections like flu or COVID-19. Approximately 70-80% of these viral illnesses tend to be mild resolving on their own without the need for hospital admission. Howevr it is crucial to monitor the symptoms closely.”
Speaking to Vartha Bharti, Dr. Almas Shamim, a Public Health Consultant, explained, “Both viruses can lead to high mortality, but their prevention methods vary due to different modes of transmission. Chandipura virus spreads through sand flies and ticks, requiring rigorous public health measures to control these vectors in affected regions. Conversely, Nipah virus is transmitted through exposure to contaminated food or products possibly bitten or excreted on by reservoir fruit bats, with significant human-to-human transmission also reported. Hence, isolating the infected, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing are essential to avoid contact with bodily secretions and aerosols from infected individuals.” She also added “Quick spreading urbanization is introducing new epidemiological and nutritional challenges, thereby adding burden to diseases and health among the population. Nipah is one such serious example of zoonotic virus. ”
Speaking to Etimes-TOI , Dr. Laxman Jessani, Consultant Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “ Fever is a natural bodily response. When your immune system detects an infection it raises your internal temperature, creating an environment less hospitable for invading pathogens. A low-grade fever (around 100 F or 37.83 c) often does require any intervention and can be managed with home remedies. However, a high fever (102 F or 38.9 C ), especially in infants, young children, elderly individuals, warrants medical attention.”
Dr. Jessani identifies several critical conditions that require immediate medical attention, including a fever lasting more than three days, severe headaches, vomiting or confusion, a stiff neck or difficulty moving the head, signs of respiratory distress, and the appearance of a rash or skin lesions.
In a telephonic conversation with VB Dr Zameel Panthakkalakath of the Innovating Healthcare Delivery, Manchester, UK, said “Nipah and Chandipura viruses—they're pretty serious and can spread quickly. To stay safe, try to avoid contact with anyone who is infected, follow the local directives and protocol and always wash your fruits and veggies, especially if you're in areas where bats hang out. Keep hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using running water and a bit of vinegar can help clean your raw foods by reducing bacteria and viruses. If there's an outbreak, make sure to follow all the safety advice, like wearing masks and avoiding crowded places, to help stop the spread. Only through working together to keeping our communities clean we can prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.”
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US VP JD Vance says Lebanon not part of ceasefire, calls it ‘misunderstanding’
Budapest/Washington: US Vice President J D Vance has said that Lebanon was never included in the ceasefire understanding with Iran, describing the confusion as a “legitimate misunderstanding”.
Speaking to reporters before departing from Hungary, Vance said, “I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon and it just didn’t. We never made that promise.”
He stressed that the United States had not included Lebanon in the scope of the ceasefire at any stage.
His remarks come amid continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, where more than 200 people were reported killed, even as ceasefire talks between Iran and the US move forward.
Vance said Israel had “offered … to check themselves a little bit in Lebanon because they want to make sure that our negotiation is successful”.
He warned that if Iran allows the situation in Lebanon to affect the negotiations, it could derail the talks.
“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart in a conflict where they were getting hammered over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice,” he said.
