Explainer on Viral Claims of Two Children Being Treated for Nipah Virus at LRH!

News of yet another Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, India, has also created a spark about the topic in Sri Lanka. As a result, social media circles are flooded with advisory messages about this virus, yet some of these posts are not verified.

Here we try to investigate a claim about two kids suspected of Nipah infection getting treated at LRH.

Social Media Posts

On September 28, 2023, several social media posts claimed that two children were being treated for the Nipah virus at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) in Sri Lanka.

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Those messages were viral on WhatsApp too.

We decided to do an explanation on this.

Explanation

We searched the internet for any mainstream media reports about the finding of Nipah virus-infected kids from the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, yet couldn't find such.

We contacted the director of the hospital, Dr. Wijesuriya, who dismissed these rumors as the investigations were still ongoing. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has not yet confirmed any Nipah virus cases in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Wijesuriya, the director of LRH

Dr. Wijesuriya, the director of LRH, further states despite the two children in the ICU at LRH being seriously ill, they cannot be assumed to have the Nipah virus, simply based on the symptoms such as bleeding and edema of the brain. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of other illnesses, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Wijesuriya also pointed out that the two children at LRH are not the only ones experiencing these symptoms. There are other patients in other hospitals who are also experiencing bleeding and edema of the brain. This suggests that the two children at LRH may be suffering from a more common illness rather than a rare disease like the Nipah virus.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is a rare but deadly virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and respiratory problems. Symptoms of Nipah virus infection typically begin 4-14 days after exposure to the virus and can include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus can cause seizures, coma, and death in severe cases.

There is no specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, and supportive care is the mainstay of management. Patients may be given fluids, electrolytes, and medications to control fever and seizures. In some cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

Given the lack of confirmation from the MOH and LRH, it is too early to conclude that the two children in question are being treated for the Nipah virus. It is possible that they are suffering from another illness with similar symptoms. It is important to note that the Nipah virus is a rare disease, and it is unlikely that two cases would be identified in Sri Lanka at the same time.

Tips for preventing the spread of Nipah virus:

• Avoid contact with bats and other animals that may carry the virus.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
• Avoid drinking raw date palm sap.
• Cook meat and eggs thoroughly.
• Practice good hand hygiene.

If you experience any of the symptoms of Nipah virus infection, seek medical attention immediately.

It is important to note that Dr. Wijesuriya has not definitively ruled out the possibility that the two children at LRH have the Nipah virus. However, he is saying that it is too early to make that conclusion. More tests and investigations are needed to determine the exact cause of their illness, and we intend to update the article with these findings.

In the meantime, it is important to remain calm and vigilant. Nipah virus is a serious disease, but it is also very rare. The best way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene and avoid contact with bats and other animals that may carry the virus.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities recently placed orders to import test kits to identify the Nipah-infected patients. News reports about it can be read here.

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