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Virus outbreak in China: No cause for panic, health authorities remain vigilant
View(s):- Respiratory illnesses due to known viruses, and no new or unusual pathogens have been identified
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi
Sri Lanka has no cause for concern regarding the current outbreak of the virus causing flu-like symptoms in China, health authorities have said, assuring that they are “vigilant” and “continuously” monitoring global health developments to ensure public safety.
“The increase in respiratory illnesses in China is due to known viruses, and no new or unusual pathogens have been identified. The current situation does not warrant action and it does not have a significant impact on public health in Sri Lanka at this point,” the Health Promotion Bureau said.
It stated that Chinese health authorities confirmed that these respiratory illnesses were due to common viruses such as influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Numerous attempts by the Sunday Times to get a response from the Epidemiology Unit, which is the Health Ministry’s technical body dealing with infectious diseases, were futile.
An eminent respiratory physician urged the public not to panic over reports of this virus causing flu-like symptoms circulating in China, as it is not new and was found in New Zealand in 2001.
Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Bodhika Samarasekera, attached to the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases, Welisara, told the Sunday Times that Sri Lanka has the capacity to deal with respiratory illnesses. Even with its low resources, Sri Lanka had been as good as the developed world in the way it tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking closely at HMPV, which affects the upper respiratory system, he said its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath.
As it spreads from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or personal contact with an infected person, Dr. Samarasekera said that usually the incubation period (the time between exposure to the virus and the first appearance of symptoms) is about three to six days.
While the duration of the illness depends on the severity of the infection, he cautioned that those at higher risk are older adults; those with weakened immune systems, including cancer and transplant patients; and those with chronic respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), uncontrolled asthma or bronchiectasis.
Pointing out that during the cold and festive seasons, there is a higher circulation of respiratory viruses, he advises on simple preventive measures.
These measures include:
Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to control the spread of the virus
Covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Wearing a mask and avoiding contact with those who are ill
Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Self-isolation if one is ill
If possible, taking the influenza vaccine jab, which is available in Sri Lanka, by the elderly, those with chronic lung disease, and those who are immune-compromised.
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