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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Mercury plunges in Kashmir after brief respite, Shopian freezes at minus 6.4 deg C
Srinagar (PTI): Night temperatures in Kashmir dropped several degrees below the freezing point, even as a thick layer of fog engulfed parts of the valley, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.1 degrees Celsius, officials said on Saturday.
Shopian was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the mercury there settled at a low of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, they said.
The mercury had on Thursday night settled above the freezing point at most places in the valley, providing huge relief to the residents from the biting cold conditions.
However, temperatures dropped across Kashmir on Friday night, bringing back the freezing cold, the officials said.
On the Friday night, the minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 4.1 degrees Celsius, a sharp drop from 0.4 degrees Celsius the previous night, the officials said.
The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while the mercury settled at minus 3.5 degrees Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and minus 0.2 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, the officials said.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg lodged minus 2.6 degrees Celsius and Konibal town in Pulwama district recorded minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, they said.
The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on December 6-7, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8.
