KARACHI: Not enough being done to curb SARS: Seminar told
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, April 11: The government is not doing enough regarding identifying and then isolating the travellers who might be carrying the virus which causes the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
So said Dr Viqar Zaman, a well-known microbiologist, on Friday afternoon during a presentation at the Aga Khan University. Unlike the Singaporean authorities — who are actually monitoring the temperatures of each person coming from countries where SARS has spread widely — Pakistani officials were only making do with information that was relayed to them from various airlines, he said.
“In Singapore, nurses are on duty round-the-clock to check if the travellers’ temperatures are below 38 degrees Centigrade or not. If they come across an individual with fever who coughs and also is short of breath, immediate action is taken.”
In contrast, no such steps are being taken at the Pakistani airports. “What is happening is that the travellers, no matter coming from the SARS-affected countries or not, only get certain leaflets. And may be they are asked to fill out some forms which are similar to those produced in relation to the ‘yellow fever’. That is all.”
Dr Zaman told all those present that a traveller with fever is immediately identified and isolated by the Singaporean people. “This is how they have managed to get a grip on the deadly virus.”
“About 2,800 cases of SARS have so far been reported from all over the world,” he said. About 1,300 cases have been reported in China and 55 people have died.
“Hong Kong has also been affected badly where 30 persons have died.” Dr Zaman was of the view that travellers coming from China and Hong Kong might transmit the disease to the Pakistani population.
“We need to keep an eye on all people coming from China and its Hong Kong region.” He said in all 111 people had lost their lives.
The well-known microbiologist, who recently went to Singapore, said the fatality rate of SARS was between four and five per cent only.
“It is important to stress that the death rate in SARS cases is not very high, otherwise, we will have a scare at our hands.”
Dr Zaman was of the view that even though the authorities had referred a couple of cases to it earlier this week, the AKU was not adequately equipped to deal with SARS cases.
“Such cases be dealt with at an infectious diseases hospital.”
The AKU’s medical director didn’t agree with Dr Zaman. He was of the view that the society expected a lot from the AKU and invariably some SARS cases would be referred to it. “And we cannot turn our attention away from the distressed people who are brought to our gates,” he said.
Dr Zaman, meanwhile, also discussed the treatment and prevention of SARS cases. He said all the people suspected of having the Corona-type virus, which causes SARS, be quarantined immediately.
“The healthcare personnel who handle these people should wear masks at all times. But at the same time don’t overestimate the role of the masks because masks can stop bacteria but not viruses.”
He advocated frequent washing of the hands. The prime minister of Singapore, in one of his speeches, had even urged his countrymen to stop shaking hands. Similarly, confessions are on hold because the clergymen didn’t want to come in close contact with other people.
Dr Zaman said Ribavarine was an affective medication which could be used to combat the syndrome. The disease was spread through transfer of droplets. In other words, in case an already affected person coughs or kisses in public, the people on the receiving end might develop SARS.
After Dr Zaman’s talk, a panel discussion, was held in which Dr Afia Zafar, Dr Javed Hussein, Dr Javed Khan and Dr Rumina Hasan took part.
Dr Afia Zafar explained the various steps the AKU planned to take in case a SARS case be taken there.
She said the staff at the hospital’s ER department had been asked to isolate, after taking the precautionary steps, the people suspected of having SARS.
“Then the person in question will be transferred to the CHC Room No 10, because it’s not linked with the central air-conditioning system.”
Dr Javed Khan and Dr Javed Hussein said the AKU had had two false alarms recently. The panelists were of the view that the authorities should play due role in the prevention and handling of SARS cases.
