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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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
