By now you must already be aware of this term prevailing on your social media pages and all the news channels. Before you get terrified by such news, that it is incurable and that eating any fruit can get you infected, there’s some essential information about this virus that you can take a look at.
The Nipah Virus (NiV) has posed a serious health problem for the state of Kerala, where it has claimed the lives of around eight people in the last week. The Institute of Virology, Pune, has confirmed the said deaths to be caused by the Nipah virus. It has also been described as the ‘next deadly outbreak’ by the World Health Organization. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, assured the public that the Government of India is taking steps to combat the infection and prevent it from spreading to the unaffected areas.
What Is The Nipah Virus?
Medical experts have classified the Nipah Virus as an airborne transmission infection. It means that the infection spreads through direct contact with those who are already contaminated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the Nipah Virus as a newly-emerging zoonosis that can cause flu-like symptoms, encephalitis and brain damage in both humans and animals.
Symptoms Of The Nipah Virus
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The common symptoms of NiV are fever, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, respiratory issues and mental confusion lasting for 7 to 10 days. The virus is also associated with the inflammation of the brain, causing severe fever with disorientation, constant drowsiness and mental confusion. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms can cause coma in a matter of 24-48 hours. Therefore, it is advisable to watch out for other respiratory, pulmonary and neurological signs.
What Causes The Nipah Virus?
The infection-causing virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998, and was commonly found in pigs. It was later transmitted to humans.
The WHO has reported the fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus as the natural host of the virus. The virus can be transmitted to humans through infected pigs, bats, humans and date palm sap infected by bats.
Transmission can happen through:
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- Infected fruit bats: The infected bats may spread the virus through body secretions and excretions such as saliva, semen, excreta and urine, but are themselves symptomless carriers of the disease.
- Animal-to-human: The virus is contagious among pigs through coughing; direct contact with infected pigs is also major source of transmission.
- Contaminated date palm sap: Consuming fresh date palm sap that could be possibly contaminated by infected fruit bats can cause transmission. In Kerala, the infection is said to be spread through contaminated mangoes infected by fruit bats.
- Human-to-human: The virus can be transmitted among humans as seen in recent outbreaks through patients to healthcare workers. The most common cause behind human-to-human virus transmission is through direct contact with infectious blood and excretion.
How Can You Get Treated?
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Though the only way to treat the Nipah virus infection is through intensive care, the WHO has reported that a new vaccine is being developed. Vaccinations such as Canary pox vectored Nipah F and G have proved successful in preventing swine infections and could be helpful in the case of the NiV as well, is what experts feel, though this has not been confirmed yet.
How Can You Prevent It?
If you’re living in an area where the infection has broken out, here’s how you can protect yourself from the Nipah virus:
- Avoid direct contact with infected humans and pigs, especially if you are in the high-alert area.
- As the virus can be spread through domestic animals as well, it is best to keep them indoors. If you notice any signs of ill health in your domestic animals, get them tested immediately.
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- Avoid climbing trees where fruits bats may have left their secretions. It is also wise to not consume date palm sap directly, as it has high chances of being contaminated.
- Health professionals or caretakers are recommended to don masks and gloves when treating someone infected. Try to avoid direct contact with the saliva, blood or excretion of the infected person.
- Though the government is making efforts to control the disease, and assures us of protection, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep yourself and your family safe by following prevention techniques till its eradication is confirmed by the medical community.
There is, however, nothing to panic. Exercise caution while buying and consuming fruits. Check for symptoms and pay a visit to your physician without delay, if you feel unwell.
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DISCLAIMER: While we have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared here; it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. it is important to first always check with your own doctor before trying any medication, practice or suggestion from this site.
