When fever of unknown origin attacks
Very recently, fever of unknown origin affected people at Hatibandha, Lalmonirhat of Bangladesh and claimed at least 20 lives until Friday last. Later, it was identified by experts as encephalitis (inflammation of brain tissue) caused by Nipah virus. It is certainly an alarming situation. That is why the Government of Bangladesh has declared red alert on that area. Every year, some areas of Bangladesh are affected by this type of unknown fever and causes casualty. If we track the history, we can find that most of such fevers are caused by virus and disease was Encephalitis. Encephalitis is accompanied by inflammation of meninges (brain coverings). Causes of Encephalitis (more specifically Meningo-encephalitis) are various. But in most cases, viruses are the predominant causative organism. Herpes simplex virus is the commonest one. Encephalitis can be transmitted by airborne route through nose and also through blood and other body fluid. Bites of insects and animals can transmit the disease as well. A patient with encephalitis may experience high fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, convulsion, stiffness, ultimately lethargy, unconsciousness, coma and sudden death. If anyone experience above symptoms, s/he should pay an immediate visit to nearby health complex or any district hospital or a specialist doctor for proper management. Delay may progress the disease to the point of no return. Treatment of such condition should be started without any delay while at hospital. In order to prevent the spread of disease, the patient should be isolated from others. Vaccines (MMR, Meningococcal, Hib, Chickenpox, Anti Rabies etc) prior to get the disease have some positive impact. Some neurological complication may occur even after adequate treatment. Good personal hygiene and awareness always help to prevent all types of diseases including Encephalitis.
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