Malanginspirasi.com – Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University (FK UB), Dr. Milanitalia Gadys Rosandy, Sp.PD, emphasized the importance of increasing awareness of Nipah Virus potential threat among public and healthcare workers’ awareness.
Regardless of the undetected virus in Indonesia to date, it still remains hazardous due to its serious impacts on human health.
The Nipah virus is known as an emerging infectious disease with a high fatality rate.
Dr. Milanitalia explained that the Nipah virus is considered extremely dangerous as it can attack vital organs in the human body.
This viral infection can penetrate the central nervous system and cause brain inflammation, or encephalitis.
“This virus can progress very quickly, starting with high fever and decreased consciousness, and even leading to the patient falling into a coma,” she explained.
Besides attacking the nervous system, the Nipah virus can also cause severe lung inflammation.
This condition has the potential to cause acute respiratory failure which can lead to death.
She mentioned that the high mortality rate compared to other viral infections is due to the brain and lung damage combination.
Recognizing The Symptoms of Nipah Virus Threat
In daily clinical practice, Dr. Milanitalia stated that the main challenge in detecting the Nipah virus is the similarity of its initial symptoms to other infectious diseases.
Therefore, it is essential for doctors to be highly vigilant for certain clinical signs.
“Among the related symptoms that require serious attention include constant high fever, shortness of breath, decreased consciousness, and seizures. Rapid changes in condition should immediately raise suspicion for a more serious infection,” she said.
Furthermore, she added that the Nipah virus can affect different age groups.
Yet, the risk can be higher in vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and individuals with low immunity or immunocompromised conditions.
The clinical impact among those groups can be more severe and progressive.
Patient Treatment
Speaking about patient management, Dr. Milanitalia explicated that there has been no vaccine or specific therapy available for the Nipah virus so far. Medical treatment remains supportive and symptomatic.
“Fever-reducing meditation is applicable for patients with fever. Meanwhile, oxygen treatment is the right treatment for those with shortness of breath,” she added. “Whenever there is Nipah virus detection, medical workers should place the patient in an isolation room to separate them from others,” she added.
Likewise, it is a necessity for medical personnel to strictly adhere to infection control protocols.
They include the use of personal protective equipment, proper handwashing, and the implementation of appropriate isolation standards.
She mentioned the healthcare workers’ awareness as the crucial factor in preventing transmission in healthcare facilities.
Responding to the discourse on quarantine and mobility restrictions, Dr. Milanitalia stated that there should be a strengthening of screening measures, particularly for high-risk individuals.
She believes the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic delivers important lessons on early detection.
“It is crucial to conduct strict screening at airports and terminals to prevent viruses that are not yet present in Indonesia through international travel,” he emphasized.
Regarding the healthcare facilities’ responsiveness, Dr. Milanitalia assessed that hospitals in Malang City and East Java generally prepare special isolation rooms to handle emerging infectious diseases.
Still, she expects that there will be no major outbreak of the disease, in spite of the responsiveness of healthcare facilities.
“Let’s expect that there is no more pandemic situation like COVID-19,” she said.
The Importance of Public Awareness
Likewise, Dr. Milanitalia also stressed the important role of medical educational institutions in raising public awareness.
She stated that the Faculty of Medicine at Brawijaya University plays an active role through outreach activities, seminars, and health education for the public.
The aim of those educational efforts is to ensure people get the proper understanding of the Nipah virus to avoid them in getting misleading information.
Last but not least, she expects that Indonesian people should remain alert instead of being too panic about the Nipah virus issue.
“Being alert doesn’t mean being overly troubled. It is as simple as following health protocols like wearing masks in high-risk areas, washing hands frequently, and immediately seeking medical attention whenever related symptoms occur,” she concluded.
