The Hindu : Viral fevers running riot

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 20, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Viral fevers running riot

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM June 19. Even as a rash of common fevers has surfaced in the city, afflicting children and adults alike, clinicians are taking no chances in ensuring that the infections are not of a life- threatening type.

Doctors say that the recent change in weather has led to a spate of viral infections. Though such infections are common during change of weather every year, this time the problem had acquired serious proportions.

Along with common viral fever, Dengue fever is also being seen and this often poses a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. The treatment for Dengue is similar to the treatment given for common viral fevers.

The paediatrician, Noel Narayan, told The Hindu that while a Dengue infection may be benign the first time, a person who contracts it a second time due to another type of Dengue virus is likely to develop life-threatening infections such as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome.

A primary Dengue attack is also easily mistaken for an infection with the common self-limiting influenza virus.

Though children are most vulnerable to new infections, experts say that the proportion of adults going down with fever these days indicates that a relatively new virus is currently in circulation.

Healthy children are, in fact, more vulnerable to Dengue- triggered complications due to a phenomenon termed as "immune enhancement," wherein the antibody production exceeds required levels and works to the detriment of the host.

However, fewer than five per cent of children lapse into serious stages of Dengue infection. Dr. Noel says it is imperative to sort out the specific serotype of the virus that is in circulation.

Tracking down the specific serotype and establishing sero-positivity forms the basis for preventive measures.

The message to physicians treating common fevers is to go by clinical evaluation and suspect Dengue only when a patient, child or adult, develops tell-tale signs ranging from extreme fatigue to red spots on the skin.

The Indian Medical Association, meanwhile, has brought out advisories on the management of fevers.

According to the IMA, fever patients should be taken to hospital. Ample rest and intake of fluids is recommended. Vector (mosquito) control measures such as maintaining domestic hygiene and prudent waste management are also advised.

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