Nipah fear: No need to panic, says experts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Nipah virus (NiV) being detected for the first time in the state,  claiming three lives (confirmed cases), there is fear in the minds of people. However, experts say there is no need to panic. In the event of fever accompanied with headache, one must consult a doctor. Staying home is advisable for those having fever, headache and respiratory infection at least till the infection subsides. Since the virus has already been detected and the vulnerable sections are also under the scanner, it is easy for the authorities to check its spread to other places. “There is no need for panic. As an aware and educated society we should do everything possible to reduce the fear among people. Unless you have direct contact with the infected persons or the articles used by them, the chances of contracting the virus are minimal. People should ignore fake messages being spread through social media and WhatsApp groups,” said Dr Jothydev Kesavadev.

According to experts, there is no vaccine for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care. Anti-viral therapy along with supportive treatment is effective. Managing fever, headache, electrolyte imbalance and renal problems is crucial. Ventilator support is also needed since the virus affects the brain and the patient could have severe respiratory problems. When someone is infected with the Nipah virus, the patient experiences dizziness, vertigo, abdominal pain and vomiting. Some of these symptoms are different from viral infections. While the body’s internal mechanism is effective in treating the disease and it provides antibodies to kill the virus, in serious infections one might require specialist care.

According to Info Clinic, a group of health activists, all those coming with suspected symptoms should be admitted to isolation wards. Medical professionals need to be careful while managing such patients. All precautionary measures have to be taken including wearing of masks, gloves while speaking to patients and examining them. Once a patient with suspected symptoms is admitted to hospital, the information should be immediately passed on to the district health authorities. Hand sanitizers should be used for washing hands after managing patients, after coming into contact with the equipment used for treatment, clothes and bedsheet.  Nipah patients should not be kept with other patients and they need to be shifted to isolation wards.

The health care staff deployed for such wards should be restricted to limited numbers. One metre gap should be ensured between the beds of each patient.  Mask, gloves, gowns have to be used through the period of treatment of the patient. N95 masks are found to be effective in such situations. Extreme precautionary and safety measures have to be taken while collecting blood samples and swabs of the infected patients.

Hands should be washed properly with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds , hand sanitizers containing chlorhexidine or alcohol should be used for hand washing after tending to patients. Health authorities need to ensure that articles used for treatment are disposable. In case if reuse is inevitable, then these should be properly sterilised and used only after ensuring that it is infection- free. It should be autoclaved. Two per cent glutraldehyde disinfectant should be used.

Steps to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus from persons who died due to the disease:

While handling the body, ensure there is no contact with the face or body fluids. Avoid kissing, touching cheeks or forehead. All clothes, utensils used by the victim which are to be reused, should be properly washed using detergent and washing powder.  Bed, mattress and pillow should be dried in the sun for long hours. According to doctors, the directions issued by the health department should be followed strictly. While there is no need for panic, as responsible citizens everyone needs to be vigilant and take precautionary measures.