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Emerging Viral Diseases

Article  in  BIRDEM Medical Journal · August 2017


DOI: 10.3329/birdem.v7i3.33785

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Review Article

Emerging Viral Diseases


Ahmed JUa, Rahim MAb, Uddin KNc

Abstract:
Human life is intricately related to it’s surrounding environment which also harbors other animals and some
deadly infectious pathogens. Any threat to the environment can thus increase the threat of new and so-called
‘emerging infectious diseases’ (EIDs) especially novel viral infections called ‘emerging viral diseases’. This
occurs partly due to changing climate as well as human interference with nature and animal life. An important
event in new disease emergence is genetic changes in the pathogen that make it possible to become established
in a new host species, productively infect new individuals in the new hosts (typically humans) and create local,
regional or worldwide health threats. The world has witnessed some emerging and deadly viral threats in
recent past with huge mortality and morbidity. Among them were severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS),
bird flu, swine flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), ebola virus disease. Moreover some disease has
caused great concern in certain regions including Bangladesh in terms of morbidity, like Nipah virus, Zika
virus, Dengue and Chikungunya fever. Here in this article an attempt was made to briefly describe some of
these emerging viral infections.
Key Words: Emerging virus
(BIRDEM Med J 2017; 7(3): 224-232)

Introduction of the African slave trade. Dengue fever arose


The 20th century has seen significant reductions in simultaneously in South-East Asia, Africa, and North
ecosystems and biodiversity and equally dramatic America during the 18th century. In 1918-1919 the
increases in the numbers of people and domestic animals so-called Spanish flu spread like wildfire through all
inhabiting the Earth.1 In fact, continued inadvertent five continents, killing between 25 and 40 million
human activities like land use changes, population people. The second half of the 20th century saw the
growth, increased contacts with wild animal reservoirs emergence of HIV/AIDS (1981), among other viral
and the degradation of health care resources has diseases.3 Even more worrying is the fact that emerging
increased the opportunity for various pathogenic agents and re-emerging viral diseases have had a tendency to
including some deadly viruses to pass from the wild spread more quickly and more widely during the last
and domestic animals to human beings causing decade, invading whole countries and continents. It is
emergence of new diseases.2 Emerging viral diseases estimated that the majority, some estimates place it as
are nothing new. Smallpox probably reached Europe high as 75%, of these emerging diseases are derived
from Asia in the 5th century, and yellow fever emerged from animals.4 These zoonoses spill over from their
in the Americas during the 16th century as a consequence natural reservoirs either through direct contact or
Author Information indirectly through close contact with domestic animals
a. Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of and subsequently into human populations. We focus
Internal Medicine, BIRDEM General Hospital
on few viral pathogens and their diseases that have
b. Dr. Muhammad Abdur Rahim, Assistant Professor, Department
of Nephrology, BIRDEM General Hospital received increased attention during the recent years,
c. Professor Khwaja Nazim Uddin, Honorary Professor of namely severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS),
Medicine, BIRDEM General Hospital bird flu, swine flu, Ebola virus disease, Zika and
Address of Correspondence: Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Associate
Chikungunya fever. We briefly outline some of their
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, BIRDEM General
Hospital, Email – jmldollar@gmail.com basic biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation and
Received: June 6, 2017 Accepted: July 31, 2017 management including prevention.
Emerging Viral Diseases Ahmed JU et al

Table. Recent Deadly Viral Outbreaks in the world5

Disease Virus Year Country/ region of Mortality


disease outbreak
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) 2017 Bangladesh 0.1%
Zika Virus Infection Zika Virus (ZKV) 2014 Brazil Nil
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Ebola Virus 2013 Guinea, West Africa 40%
Avian Influenza/ Bird Flu H7N9 Influenza A 2013 China 23%
Middle East respiratory syndrome MERS-CoV 2012 Saudi Arabia 35%
Swine Flu H1N1 Influenza A 2009 Mexico 1%
Avian Influenza/ Bird Flu H5N1 Influenza A 2003 China 60%
Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS CoV 2002 China 9.6%
(SARS)
Dengue Fever Dengue virus DEN I-IV 2000 Bangladesh 1.6%

Chikungunya Fever susceptible populations, chikungunya fever can have


Epidemiology attack rates as high as 40 to 85%.
Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease.6
Transmission
It is an RNA virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus
Transmission primarily by bites of infected female
of the family Togaviridae.
mosquitoes - Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was first described by bite throughout daylight hours, though there may be
Marion Robinson and Lumsden in 1955, following an peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
outbreak in 1952 on the Makonde Plateau, along the Maternal-fetal transmission is possible. Risk is highest
border between Mozambique and Tanzania. The name during intrapartum period (two days before delivery to
“chikungunya” derives from a word in the Kimakonde
two days after delivery).Vertical transmission occurs in
language, meaning “to become contorted”, and describes
approximately 50% of cases. Cesarean delivery was not
the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain
(arthralgia). In our local language it is called “Langra protective against vertical transmission. CHIKV was not
jor” found in breast milk.8 Transmission via blood products
has been described in France. Transmission via organ
Until recently it has been primarily restricted to countries
transplantation could also occur. Might be transmitted
surrounding or near the Indian Ocean, Beginning in 2004
via corneal grafts even in the absence of systemic
in East Africa, and continuing across many islands in
the Indian Ocean and the Indian subcontinent in 2005– manifestations of chikungunya infection.9
2006 an epidemic thought to affect more than 1.5 million Pathogenesis
people has occurred. After initial viremia and release of inflammatory
In Bangladesh it was first identified in 2008 in cytokines. Organs targeted for chikungunya virus
ChapaiNawabganj district, cases probably acquired replication are - lymphoid tissues, liver, central nervous
disease in India. Later in 2011 some cases were system, joints including synovial fluid, and muscle.
identified in Dohar, Dhaka as an atypical outbreak of
dengue. Then the recent outbreak started in April-May Clinical Features
of this year.7 Incubation Period is 3-7 days (range 2-12 days). 72%
to 97% of those infected will develop symptoms.
Chikungunya epidemics display cyclical and seasonal Asymptomatic seroconversion occurs in less than 15%
trends. There is an inter-epidemic period of 4-8 years. of patients.10 It is usually an acute febrile illness that
Outbreaks are most likely to occur in the post-monsoon may have 3 phases: a) Acute phase : upto 3 weeks of
period (starting in May, peak in July-August). In fever, b) Sub-acute phase : > 3 weeks to 3 months and

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Birdem Medical Journal Vol. 7, No. 3, September 2017

c) Chronic phase : > 3 months. 10-15% of the patient should be present: virus isolation by cell culture (only
those who present with severe Chikungunya progress research purpose), detection of viral RNA by real-time
to Sub-acute or chronic phase. reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-
Acute phase is characterized by the triad of Fever (92%), PCR) (within 5 days of onset of Illness), detection of
Arthralgia/arthritis (87%) and Rash. Fever is sudden antibody by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
onset, high grade with chills and lasts for 3 to 5 days (ELISA) - Viral specific IgM antibody in single serum
(range 1 to 10 days). Fever can be biphasic.11 Joint sample collected within 5 to 28 days of onset fever or
pain occurs initially or begins 2-5 days after onset of four-fold rise of IgG antibody in samples collected at
fever. Arthralgia is bilateral, symmetrical, distal joints least three weeks apart (1st sample after 7 days).19 In
more than proximal joints. Most affected joints are CNS affected patients cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) may
hands (50 to 76%), wrists (29 to 81%), and ankles (41 be studied.
to 68%). Involvement of the axial skeleton was noted
Treatment
in 34 to 52% of cases. Periarticular edema or swelling
has been observed in 32 to 95% of cases. Large joint Treatment of CHIKV in acute phase is mostly supportive
effusions were noted in 15% of cases.12 Skin rash has with rest, adequate electrolyte containing fluid (at least
been reported in 40 to 75% of patients which may be 2-3 L/ day) and paracetamol upto maximum 4 gm/day
macular or maculopapular, usually occurs within first for fever and joint pain. Additional tramadol or
4 days of fever, starts on the limbs and trunk, pruritic tapentadol may be used if joint pain is not relieved by
in 25 to 50% of patients. Atypical dermatologic paracetamol. There is no specific anti-viral therapy.20
manifestations include bullous skin lesions (most often There is no indication of steroid in acute phase. Non-
in children) and hyperpigmentation. 13 Cervical steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should best
lymphadenopathy may occur in10-40% of patients, be avoided in the acute phase, but if required may be
mostly in children or young adults.14 Few patients may used once dengue is excluded, but avoid aspirin. Cold
present or develop complications like severe sepsis or compression of joints is helpful. Hospitalization is
septic shock, meningoencephalitis, Guillian-Barre required for only those with hypotension, altered
syndrome (GBS), myocarditis, decomposition of consciousness, bleeding manifestations, co-morbidity,
cardiovascular diseases, fulminant hepatitis in patients extreme age or decreased intake. In the subacute phase
with chronic liver disease (CLD), pancreatitis, the mainstay of treatment is adequate doe of NSAIDs
extensive epidermolysis, kidney failure, respiratory and physiotherapy. In some patients short course
failure. Complications occur in patients of extreme systemic steroid may be necessary. In the chronic phase
ages - > 65, children, pregnancy, co-morbidity – patient must be evaluated by a rheumatologist for the
diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease initiation of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
and other co-infection.15,16 In the subacute phase the (DMARDs).21
predominant features is arthritis/arthralgia and
fatigue.17 In 10-15% patients the joint symptoms Prognosis
progress beyond 3 months among whom 50 % patients Prognosis is good compared to dengue. Younger patients
evolve into rheumatoid arthritis or seronegative recover within 5 to 15 days. Recovery is delayed in the
spondyloarthitides or non-specific viral arthritis.18 elderly. In few patients joint pain can persist up to 2
years. The risk of death is around 1 in 1,000 which is
Investigations relatively low compared to dengue hemorrhagic fever
Investigations include testing blood or serum for direct (DHF).22 After a single infection it is believed most
or indirect evidences of CHIKV infection. Complete people become immune.
blood count (CBC) will reveal leukopenia with marked
lymphopenia, or sometimes pancytopenia and mild Prevention
thrombocytopenia. In all patients dengue should be Preventing mosquito bite and vector control by control
excluded by doing NS-1. For confirmation of the case of mosquito breeding places are the best way to prevent
at least one of the followings in the acute phase of illness CHIKV infection.

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Emerging Viral Diseases Ahmed JU et al

Zika Virus Infection Zika and Pregnancy


Epidemiology Course of Zika virus disease is similar to that in the
Zika virus (ZKV) came into the light during the time of general population. There is no evidence to suggest that
last World cup football in Brazil. The outbreak of ZKV pregnant women are more susceptible or experience
will subsequent spread to the world through the travelers more severe disease during pregnancy. The panic is with
also spread fear. Although it is not a killer virus like the effect of ZKV on the fetus. There have been reports
others but the major issue is the possibility of of 35 congenital microcephaly in babies of mothers who
neurological and fetal malformation if the mother is were infected with Zika virus while pregnant in Brazil
affected.23 Zika virus is a mosquito-borne single- in 2015. Zika virus infections have been confirmed in
stranded RNA virus. It is related to dengue, yellow fever, several infants with microcephaly.31,32 Microcephaly
West Nile and Japanese encephalitis, viruses that are can lead to seizures, vision or hearing problems,
also members of the virus family Flaviviridae.24 Its name developmental/ intellectual disabilities which may often
comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where the virus be lifelong and life threatening. Several birth defects
was first isolated in 1947 from rhesus monkey. The first have been reported in infants with suspected Zika virus
well documented human case of Zika virus was in 1964; infection including brain abnormalities like - intracranial
ZIKV first isolated from human in 1968 in Nigeria.
calcifications, ventriculomegaly, neuronal migration
Since then it was endemic in Africa and Asia. In 2007
disorders (lissencephaly and pachygyria), congenital
there was an outbreak in Yap Island in Pacific
Micronesia. In 2015, ZIKV first appeared outside of contractures and clubfoot.33
Africa and Asia when it was isolated in Brazil where is Diagnosis
has caused a minor outbreak following the 2014 World In suspected patients blood, urine or saliva can be tested
Cup Football. Between January 2014 and February for evidence of ZKV. In mother placenta or amniotic
2016, a total of 33 countries have reported Zika fluid and in infant cord blood or CSF can be tested.
virus.25,26
CBC may show mild leucopenia and thrombocytopenia.
Transmission Confirmation can be done by any of the following –
It is primarily transmitted by bite of female Aedes RT-PCR to detect viral RNA in blood and body fluids
aegypti mosquito, but Aedes albopictus and africanus within 10 days of illness, virus specific IgM antibody
can also transmit the virus; same mosquitoes that spread by ELISA after first week of illness or plaque-reduction
dengue and chikungunya viruses.27 Zika virus can be neutralization testing (PRNT) to measure virus-specific
transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus during neutralizing antibodies titre (e 4 fold greater than
pregnancy or around the time of birth. There is no Dengue).
evidence of transmission through breastfeeding. Spread
of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact Treatment
(a biologist in 2008) have been reported. Zika was No specific antiviral medications are available to treat
discovered in saliva and urine of infected persons in Zika infections. Treatment is symptomatic with rest,
Brazil.28 fluids, paracetamol to control fever. It is a self-limiting
disease.
Clinical Features
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill Prevention
(develop Zika fever). Incubation period is likely to be a The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
few days to a week. Features are like mild Dengue fever recommends that pregnant women in any trimester
or Chikungunya fever. It is an acute febrile illness of 1- should consider postponing travel to an area where Zika
7 days with generalized maculopapular rash, arthralgia, virus transmission is ongoing. If she travels, she should
myalgia, headache and conjunctivitis.29 Although
strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the
complications are rare, but there have been cases of
trip.34 Some governments are urging women not to get
meningo-encephalitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome
(GBS) reported in patients following suspected Zika pregnant at the moment. In some country, considering
virus infection.30 to give permission for termination of pregnancy.

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Birdem Medical Journal Vol. 7, No. 3, September 2017

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) By 6 th day patient either starts improving or


Epidemiology deteriorates.37 Confirmation can be done by RT-PCR
EVD is a zoonotic disease. Ebola virus (EBV) was first or antigen/ antibody capturing ELISA in blood or body
identified in 1976 in Zaire (Democratic republic of fluids.
Congo). Name comes from the river Ebola around where Treatment
it was identified. Since then it had caused several The mainstay of treatment for Ebola virus disease
epidemics in Africa with variable mortality. The recent involves supportive care to maintain adequate organ
outbreak seems to have started in a village near function (eg, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal) while
Guéckédou, Guinea where bat hunting is common. the immune system mobilizes an adaptive response to
Suspected index case was a boy who contacted the virus eliminate the infection.38 Several experimental antiviral
by eating bush meat (Bat). The Zaire species of therapies were used to treat patients during the 2014-
Ebolavirus was the causative agent of the 2014-2016 2016 outbreak in West Africa, but their efficacy is
epidemic in West Africa, where there were nearly 29,000 unclear, and the availability of these drugs is limited.39
total cases (suspected, probable, or confirmed), more
than 15,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 11,000 Prevention
deaths.35 Based on the total estimated case count, the Although no specific vaccine is available, some
overall case fatality rate was approximately 40 percent. experimental vaccines have been developed and tested
In earlier outbreaks caused by the same virus species in with good result in the recent outbreak.
Central Africa, case fatality rates reached 80 to 90
percent.
Swine Flu (H1N1)
Ebola virus is a nonsegmented, negative-sense, single-
stranded RNA virus. It is a member of the family Epidemiology
Filoviridae, taken from the Latin “filum,” meaning In late March and early April 2009, an outbreak of H1N1
thread-like, based upon their filamentous structure. It influenza A virus infection was detected in Mexico, with
has 5 subspecies. Among them Zaire type is most subsequent cases observed in many other countries,
virulent. including the United States.40 The pandemic that began
in March 2009 was caused by an H1N1 influenza A
Transmission virus that represented a quadruple reassortment of two
Ebola is spread through direct contact (through broken swine strains, one human strain, and one avian strain of
skin or mucous membranes) with blood or body fluids influenza; the largest proportion of genes came from
(urine, saliva, feces, vomit, sweat, breast milk, semen) swine influenza viruses. More than 214 countries and
of a person who is sick with Ebola, objects (like needles territories reported laboratory-confirmed cases of
and syringes) that have been contaminated with the virus pandemic H1N1 influenza A. During this period
and infected animals.36 There is no evidence to date approximately 61 million cases of pandemic H1N1
that filoviruses are carried by mosquitoes or other biting influenza occurred in the United States, including
arthropods. approximately 274,000 hospitalizations and 12,470
deaths.41 The pandemic was declared to be over in
Pathogenesis August 2010.
It is the host response to infection, rather than any toxic
effect of the virus, that is responsible for the effect of Diagnosis
EVD. Immune mediated tissue damage, systemic The signs and symptoms of influenza caused by
inflammatory response, coagulation defect and impaired pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus were similar to those
adaptive immunity lead to the morbidity and mortality of seasonal influenza, although gastrointestinal
related to EVD. manifestations appeared to be more common with
pandemic H1N1 influenza A. The most common clinical
Diagnosis findings of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A pandemic were
Patients present with high fever, respiratory and gastro- fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, and headache;
intestinal symptoms, rash and bleeding manifestations. vomiting and diarrhea were also common, both of which

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Emerging Viral Diseases Ahmed JU et al

are unusual features of seasonal influenza. Other 2003. Since then, over 700 cases have been reported,
frequent findings included chills, myalgias, and in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The highest numbers have
arthralgia. 42,43 Complications like rapidly progressive been in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Egypt. The most recent
pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress case of H5N1 was reported in Malaysia in March
syndrome (ARDS), and multisystem organ failure were 2017.48 It killed a number of chickens, but no human
reported in some cases during the 2009 to 2010 H1N1 cases were reported. It is not easy for humans to catch
influenza A pandemic. it, but it is fatal in 60 percent of cases. H5N1 affects
rRT-PCR is the most sensitive and specific test for the several types of birds. It has mostly been reported in
diagnosis of pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus farmed poultry, such as chickens, geese, turkeys, and
infection.44 ducks. Most people with the virus have had direct
Treatment contact with infected poultry or objects contaminated
Specific anti-viral treatment is available for swine flu. with bird feces or secretions.
During the 2009 to 2010 H1N1 influenza A pandemic, In late March and April 2013, human cases of novel
the United States Centers for Disease Control and avian influenza A H7N9 infection in China were reported
Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for the use of to the World Health Organization.49 The number of new
antivirals for patients with confirmed or suspected cases peaked in April 2013 and then declined due to
influenza virus infection, which include a neuraminidase
implementation of control strategies including closure
inhibitor (orally inhaled or intravenous zanamivir, oral
of live bird markets and increased public awareness.
oseltamivir or newly developed intravenous
peramivir).45 Prompt or early initiation of antiviral Since then, annual epidemics have occurred during
therapy was recommended for children, adolescents, or influenza season; most cases have occurred in China.50
adults with suspected or confirmed influenza infection The largest wave was the fifth wave in late 2016 and
and any of the following features-illness requiring early 2017. Since 2013, annual epidemics of avian
hospitalization, progressive, severe, or complicated influenza A H7N9 have resulted in >1300 reported cases.
illness, regardless of previous health status, children <5 Avian influenza A H7N9 virus appears to have derived
years of age, adults e”65 years of age, pregnant women from multiple reassortment events of at least 4 avian
and women up to two weeks postpartum and individuals influenza viruses. This occurred because of migration
with co-morbid conditions.46 of wild birds and growing chicken and ducks in close
proximity, thus giving the chance to genetic reassortment
Prevention
and development of a novel virus.51
Since the trivalent influenza vaccine did not give
protection against swine flu, it was necessary for a new Diagnosis
vaccine. Starting with the 2010 influenza season in the The usual incubation period has been estimated to be
southern hemisphere and the 2010 to 2011 season in the from 3 to 7 days but has been reported to be as long as
northern hemisphere, the trivalent influenza vaccine 10 days. Patients have presented with respiratory tract
included antigen from the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza infections, many of which have progressed to severe
A virus. Some monovalent pandemic H1N1 influenza A pneumonia. Presenting signs and symptoms may include
vaccines are also available with variable efficacy.47 The fever, cough, dyspnea, headache, myalgias, and malaise.
CDC recommended that H1N1 influenza vaccine be given Complications like fulminant pneumonia, respiratory
to all persons six months of age and older. failure, ARDS, septic shock, multiorgan failure,
rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular
coagulation, and encephalopathy can develop in some
Avian Influenza/ Bird Flu patients.
Epidemiology Avian influenza A H5N1 and H7N9 can be detected by
There has been 2 different strains of avian origin rRT-PCR from nasopharyngeal and/or lower respiratory
Influenza A virus that has caused pandemics in different tract samples. On chest radiograph and computed
times. The first one is a highly pathogenic avian tomography (CT) scanning, patients with pneumonia
influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 with a high mortality rate. have had multilobar patchy consolidations and diffuse
The first outbreak of H5N1 bird flu was in December ground-glass opacities.

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Birdem Medical Journal Vol. 7, No. 3, September 2017

Treatment Coronaviridae), an enveloped single stranded positive-


Specific anti-viral therapy is available for bird flu. Avian sense RNA virus.56
influenza A H7N9 virus appears to be resistant to the
Diagnosis
adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) but most
Clinically, cases present following a 2–10 day incubation
isolates have been susceptible to the neuraminidase
with fever (> 38°C). Frequently there is malaise,
inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir). H5N1 is sensitive
nonproductive cough, dyspnea, chills, rigors, and
to bothe the groups. Analysis suggested that the use of
headache. Rhinorrhea and a sore throat are rare. 57
oseltamivir was associated with a significant reduction Radiological signs after the onset of fever show
in mortality, benefit was greatest when treatment was consolidation that increases progressively in size,
started within the first two days following symptom predominantly in the lower lung fields but pleural
onset, but some benefit persisted for up to six to eight effusions are absent. Biopsy shows interstitial
days following symptom onset.52 The standard dosing inflammation and oxygen saturation is decreased in
and duration of oseltamivir is 75 mg twice daily for about half of patients. Laboratory tests show leucopenia,
five days, but a higher dose of 150 mg twice daily and a lymphocytopenia and thrombocytopenia.58 Diagnosis
longer duration of 10 days may be considered, especially can be done by viral isolation and characterization, RT-
in patients with pneumonia or clinical progression.53 PCR or serology [ELISA or immunofluorescence assay
The World Health Organization recommends that (IFA)]. However, the duration of detectable viremia or
viral shedding is unknown. Currently, paired sera and a
household contacts of patients with H5N1 avian
seroconversion or a rising titer is considered
influenza should receive post-exposure prophylaxis with
confirmation of suspected cases but is not used clinically.
75 mg of oseltamivir once daily for seven to ten days. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and exclusion
of other causes of pneumonia.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Treatment


No specific treatment is currently recommended except
Epidemiology
for meticulous supportive care. As with other viral
Cases of SARS were first noted in Guangdong Province,
infections, antibacterial agents are ineffective. In
China, in November 2002. Initial cases were recognized addition, no antiviral agents have been found to provide
as atypical pneumonia characterized by high fever, benefit for treating SARS.59
shortness of breath, cough, and pneumonia. Most early
cases were associated with people in the wild animal Prognosis
trade and their contacts. The index case for the illness Mortality was strongly age-dependent, with children and
in Hong Kong was a physician from Guangdong young adults rarely developing fatal disease, while more
than half of the clinical cases over the age of 65 years
Province who traveled to Hong Kong five days after
died. Overall mortality was close to 10%.
the onset of symptoms, was identified as the source of
16 cases which led to the world-wide outbreak.54 By Conclusion
the time the epidemic was contained in August 2003, Emerging viral diseases are a major cause of morbidity
more than 8400 cases and more than 900 fatalities were and mortality in different parts of the world. Humans
identified.55 Cases of SARS occurred in 29 countries are responsible for this to a large extent by causing
in Asia, Europe, and North America. China, including disruption of environmental homeostasis and intruding
Hong Kong, had 83 percent of all cases. and altering wild life habitat as well as domestic animals.
In order to survive these deadly viruses, much attention
Transmission is needed to be paid to prevention of transmission of
Transmission was believed primarily by droplet spread, these zoonotic diseases and preserving a healthy
and less frequently by direct contact or fomites. Viral environment for both human being and animals. Among
shedding in feces also has been reported. all of these the recent outbreak of Chikungunya in our
country has threatened the health sector just like Dengue
Virology fever did in year 2000. Hopefully with growing
The etiologic agent (SARS-CoV) was identified as a knowledge and clinical experience we will be able to
previously unrecognized Coronavirus (Family overcome this hurdle and contain the disease.

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Emerging Viral Diseases Ahmed JU et al

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