Diseases gone viral

After the nightmarish experience with COVID-19 for almost three years from 2019 to 2022 that claimed around 800 lives in Nagaland; another deadly viral disease-dengue- struck the state and other parts of the region during 2023. Though the state government has been shy of coming out with facts and figures over deaths due to dengue-related comorbidity; it is speculated that nearly close to one hundred may have died especially in Dimapur and Mon where the viral diseases went viral. It seems there is no respite for people from viral woes as, currently hundreds of adults and children are facing another viral onslaught – viral gastroenteritis- which is spreading across many parts of the state. Termed viral gastroenteritis, it is an infection in the intestine which causes symptoms like watery stool, stomach cramps and vomiting, which are sometimes accompanied by fever. A number of viruses can cause gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is the leading cause in infants and young children. It can affect adults, too, but their symptoms are milder. Norovirus is the most common cause in adults. Adenovirus. This virus occurs year-round and affects children under age 2. Symptoms last from 5 to 12 days.Most of the cases in Dimapur in particular related with viral gastroenteritis. This is an inflammation of the inside lining of the gastrointestinal tract caused by either rotavirus, norovirus, or adenovirus. The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhoea and low-grade fever. Frequent passing of loose motion causes dehydration which can be the most serious complication of this illness. It is advisable to get medical attention if diarrhoea or vomiting persists or if there are signs of dehydration. Stomach flu is typically spread by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water. The best way to prevent infection from flu virus is to avoid contaminated food and water and to wash hands often. Rest and rehydration are the mainstays of treatment. Stomach flu usually only lasts a few days, but it may last up to a week or two in severe cases. Like any other flu virus, the stomach flu one is also contagious and requires a disinfection protocol to prevent it. Children, older adults, and people who have a suppressed immune system are at the highest risk of a severe infection. People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time defeating the virus, and it may take longer. Since water is believed to be the main medium for spread of viral gastroenteritis, drinking water in public places such as roadside stalls or restaurants should be avoided. It has also been speculated that even drinking bottled water prepared under unhygienic conditions can be another way of spread of the viral gastroenteritis. Health experts said hand hygiene and eating healthy are the principal prevention measures for stomach flu. The health department along with civic authorities need to work in coordination more frequently since it is quite likely that there could be more in store from the cycle of viral diseases.