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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Injustice to Karnataka in tax devolution, will fight it out: D K Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging that the Centre has done injustice by allocating less funds to Karnataka in the tax devolution, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that the Congress government in the state would fight it out.
Shivakumar, also the state Congress chief, attacked BJP MPs and union ministers from the state for remaining silent on the issue and termed it "shameful."
"Injustice has happened to Karnataka. They have given more to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. We were given less than even Andhra Pradesh, which doesn't contribute much in tax. We will fight and protest this in the days ahead," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "We will formulate a programme to fight for - our tax, our right".
"Why have BJP MPs and Central ministers not raise their voices? Despite having five Central ministers from the state, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, they remain silent even though injustice is happening to the state. This is shameful," he said.
When pointed to the BJP’s reported defence that the population of the states being used as a criterion for devolution of taxes and comparison to the figures related to the Manmohan Singh-led UPA tenure, Shivakumar said, "Let's discuss all those in the Assembly....let them join the protest with us for now."
The union government on Thursday released tax devolution of Rs 1,78,173 crore to the state governments, including one advance instalment of Rs 89,086.50 crore in addition to the regular instalment due for October 2024.
Karnataka got Rs 6,498 crore in the state-wise distribution of net proceeds of union taxes and duties for October 2024.
Responding to a question on the opposition's criticism of the term "evil forces" as used in the state government’s advertisements, Shivakumar said, "Based on what we have seen and the information we have, we have tried to express our feelings to the people. I can only say this much now. Let's discuss the rest in the Assembly."
The government's Dasara advertisement in newspapers on Friday read, "May goddess Chamundeshwari bestow upon us the strength to bring peace and prosperity to the people of Karnataka and courage to slay the evil forces that try to destabilize the state with deviousness and deceit."
The advertisement was seen as a dig at the opposition BJP and JD(S), which are targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the MUDA scam and demanding his resignation.
