Just a few months ago I watched a very interesting documentary
on the Discovery channel regarding the mutation of microorganisms,
in particular virus’s that were becoming increasingly
virulent and difficult to treat. The scientists involved predicted
that there would be epidermics of such viral illness that
would cause death and destruction across the globe. All very
interesting I thought, but very sci-fi, and I chose not to
ponder that such things would really happen. A few weeks ago
I tuned in to the TV once again to what I thought was a re-run
of that very same documentary. What I thought to be Discovery
was the BBC, the names and the places were real, and they
were not pondering possibilities, but rather stating facts.
The “Killer Flu” was here. Both C.D.C and W.H.O
has issued an international alert for this mysterious disease.
I cannot re-call these groups ever issuing such a warning
before this, so I guess we will have to take it seriously
as well as sensibly.
So what’s it all about?
This disease was first reported in Guandong, China, in January
2003, however, cases have now been reported in Hongkong, Thailand,
the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Canada and
Germany. Due to the global distribution of this illness, we
can expect that Bali (crossroads to the world) will soon be
exposed.
We can also expect the international community and workers
in the travel industry will be front line to this disease.
Following are some facts about this disease, and precautions
that should be taken in the event of any person showing suspect
symptoms :
The illness is known as SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Distress
Syndrome), or Atypical Pneurnonia.
SARS is HIGHLY contagious, although as yet the mode of transmission
is not clear.
The incubation period is thought to be 3-7 days.
SARS is thought to be caused by a member of the Paramyxoma
Virus family.
Approximately 150 cases have so far been reported confirmed
worldwide, with nine fatalities.
Early signs of the disease include fever (above 38 C or 100.4
F), cough, shortness of breath as well as headache, general
malaise (tiredness), rash, diarrhoea, confusion or mental
dullness.
These symptoms may ALSO manifest any number of other benign
(non-dangerous) disease. Any person exhibiting the above symptoms
that may have recently been exposed to persons suffering from
SARS or has recently travelled to areas that have confirmed
cases of SARS should be treated as if they have the disease,
and are infections until proven otherwise.
There is no treatment for the disease, other than palliative
therapy such as intravenous fluids, oxygen and airway/breathing
assistance.
There is no vaccine against this disease. The “Flu vaccine”
is not effective in prevention.
What to do if any person presents with suspect symptoms
Any person presenting with a fever (above 38 C or 100.4 F),
should be isolated from other friends/family members.
All those in attendance of the effected person should wear
disposal gloves & surgical mask. These are to be discarded
and burned after each use.
The patient should be treated at the nearest medical facility
ASAP.
Hand should be washed with surgical wash (betadine wash) after
attending a suspect case.
All utensils/personal furniture (bed, chair, etc) used by
the effected person should be washed/wiped with Lysol antiseptic
wash and well aired.
All soiled (urine or feces) nappies or linen should be handled
with gloves and burned immediately. Toilets should be regularly
disinfected. Hand washing habits should be checked.
The above procedures should be performed in such a way as
not to cause panic or distress to any persons present (i.e.
if the suspect case is a child make a game of wearing the
gloves and mask as these can be very frightening for a child).
How is this disease diagnosed ?
There is no magic diagnostic test that can be performed to
give definite diagnosis for anyone showing suspect signs of
having this disease. Bear with medical staff if they seem
to stumble over making decisions on diagnosis, as while most
doctors are erring on the side of caution, they will also
not want to cause unnecessary alarm. Any person exhibiting
the following signs could be suspected of having SARS.
Generally feeling unwell with flu like symptoms and a fever
of over 38 C.
Travel to or contact with any person that has been to areas
where cases of SARS have been confirmed.
Chest x-ray showing signs of lung involvement/pneumonia.
Once again these signs are non-specific and could be signs
of other disease such as the common cold or flu, typhoid or
dengue fever. Should any one exhibit suspect signs they should
be checked at a reputable medical center that is aware of
this disease and how to handle the situation. Ignorance can
only make the situation worse.
Until next edition stay happy, stay healthy and stay young!
Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse / Midwife, and
mother of three, who has been living and working in Bali for
past 15 years. She has assisted many traveller (... and others)
either as a flying medical escort or just a voice on the end
of the phone! Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns
that your may have. Her e-mail contact is info@chcbali.com
