How doctors saved lives in Nipah-virus affected areas
When Nipah virus began taking a toll in Kerala, none imagined those affected with the deadly disease would return to normalcy. But it was dedication of health experts against a virus, that was never heard of before, that brought patients back from death. The health experts had only one goal- minimize deaths as much as possible, and they do deserve credit for it.
Caught unprepared, medical authorities did all to prevent epidemic
After members of the same family lost lives to Nipah virus, the medical authorities were caught on backfoot. Soon, a nurse who catered to patients also lost her life. Once the reason behind deaths was confirmed, the authorities mobilized resources to prevent an epidemic. Not only this, two Nipah-positive patients - Ajanya and Ubeesh were nursed back to good health.
On detection of virus, authorities swung to action
After the outbreak, the authorities swung to action. District medical officer Dr V Jayasree revealed well-oiled machinery, coupled with dedicated medical staff, helped contain the situation. State leadership and bureaucracy supported too. All cases were moved to Government Medical College Hospital at Kozhikode. The team started working on isolation process and guidelines of World Health Organization were followed. Declaring a medical emergency helped too.
Few medical officers couldn't sleep for days, reveals Dr Jayasree
"We were initially at a loss. We were determined that our helplessness should not percolate down. We mobilized resources, took precautions on a war footing, and gathered background information from wherever we got. Some of us couldn't sleep for days," said Dr Jayasree.
Despite increasing cases, authorities stayed put
The medical team did not take any chances. State health director LP Saritha said more than 2,000 cases were detected and followed up on daily basis. "If and when any of them fell ill, they were taken to isolation wards. Cases were treated symptomatically with life support system," she said. Saritha campaigned in affected areas for two weeks.
Dedication of team ensures secondary infection of Nipah is contained
A secondary infection of Nipah has been contained. Kozhikode and Malappuram were the worst affected areas where educational institutions reopened after an extended summer vacation. During the first period in schools, students were taught about Nipah. Kerala's medical colleges are planning to include epidemiology of Nipah in the syllabus. Had it not been for the authorities' dedication, Nipah would have taken more lives.
