The rising threat of viral epidemics

THE RISING THREAT OF VIRAL EPIDEMICS Dr Sheeja Srinivas Edamana MEDICAL TOURISM EXPERT TAKE

Viral epidemics are occurring quite frequently and spreading faster and further than ever before. The SARS in 2003, Swine Flu in 2009, Ebola in 2014 and the novel Coronavirus (named Covid-19 by WHO) now, the outbreaks have become a fact of life.

The world remains vulnerable to these viral epidemics despite advances made in virus discovery and their control since the turn of 20th century. The word Virus means ‘poison’ in Latin. They cannot exist by themselves and can replicate and reproduce only in a living organism.

The threat of viral infections turning out to be epidemics is all the more now, thanks to rapid urbanisation and explosive population growth. The transportation networks, both domestic as well as international, continue to expand in reach, speed of travel and volume of passengers and goods carried, resulting in pathogens and their vectors moving across countries. areas provides more opportunities for viruses to have contact with humans. Growing human population requires increased and more compact livestock production and these domestic livestock may carry viruses that infect humans.

The recent outbreaks of Corona, Nipah had their origin in animals. The population of the best known disease vector, mosquitoes, is on the rise due to improper waste disposal and deforestation. Some viruses like HIV, transmitted via sexual contact, are also on the rise due to unprotected sex and usually there is a long gap between HIV infection and the onset of disease. The infected person may carry the virus for years before finally becoming aware of it.

Most human viruses replicate in huge numbers. Changes in their genetic code leading to mutations are also very high in viruses, which help them to adapt quickly to an adverse environment. This also results in viral epidemics.

Many dangerous viral infections are zoonoses, diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The expansion of human settlements towards forest There is no specific drug for most of the human viruses partly because the viruses multiply fast and belong to diverse groups with no common drug targets to exploit. The viruses use the infected person’s cell machinery to reproduce and the drugs that target the growth of viruses may affect the person’s cell, resulting in serious side effects. Further, the capacity of the virus to adapt implies that they have high potential to develop resistance to a drug.

CORONAVIRUS Though the Corona virus outbreak occurred in China, the infection has spread globally in no time. A large number of people with the virus strain travelling out of the country has contributed to this and even a tiny State like Kerala reported three positive cases. The toll, since the disease outbreak in December, has surpassed 2700 deaths across 29 countries.

Coronavirus is one among a number of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the virus causes respiratory infections ranging from common cold, typically mild, to pneumonia as well as acute respiratory distress syndrome. The epidemic started in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province in China, and was reported first from a wildlife market in Wuhan.

Rarer forms such as SARS, MERS and Covid-19 are lethal Corona viruses and can also affect intestines besides the respiratory system. There are no vaccines or drugs against Corona vi- ruses yet. Corona viruses are zoonotic infections transmitted from animals to humans and also between humans. with a tissue or towel and dispose off the same post use. Clean and disin- fect frequently touched objects and surfaces using bleaching solution which is prepared by adding three teaspoons of bleaching powder in 1000 ml water or by other disinfec- tants.

Symptoms of Corona virus are running nose, fever, headache, sore throat, cough and breathing prob- lems. The infection may become more serious in children, elderly, pregnant women, as well as people with other comorbidities.

Corona virus is the cause of most of common colds occurring regularly.

Corona virus antibodies won’t persist in human body for longer periods and hence the chance of another infection is greater. The viral spread can be due to contact with infected animals or through the respiratory secretions of infected people. If the infected people sneeze or coughs without covering nose and mouth, the secretions will spread to air and from air, it will be transmitted to other people who are in close contact.

It can also spread through touch, like when one shakes hands with an in- fected person, or when one touches objects or surfaces with viruses and then touches one's own mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands, and rarely by fecal contamination.

There is no specific treatment for Corona viruses, though physicians provide supportive as well as symp- tomatic treatment. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. The patient should take adequate rest and must be well hydrated. The diag- nosis is done using secretions from throat, urine, blood, sputum, etc., by real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Nucleic-Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019 novel coronavirus, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who take care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, es- pecially after going to the bathroom, before cooking, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alco- hol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol.

Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. People with symptoms should avoid going to public places. Avoid travelling to places with diseases and people who came from the infected places should be in home quarantine for 14 days from the last day of contact even though they do not show any symp- toms of Corona virus infection.

If the people from infected places develop symptoms of infection, they should be isolated. Avoid unneces- sary hospital visits. Meat should be used only after deep cooking.

PREVENTION OF CORONA Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Stay at home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze Dr Sheeja Srinivas Edamana, Medical Officer in Kerala Health Services.