Nipah Virus Threat: Expert Recommends 6 Life-Saving Precautions

Nipah Virus Causes Concern in Kerala

In Kerala, the Nipah virus has raised concerns. Several cases have been reported recently, and the seriousness of the situation has led to alerts being issued in many districts. Containment zones have been established in several local panchayats. Wearing masks has become mandatory in these areas.

A team from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) will conduct an investigation into the Nipah virus in Kerala. The NIV team will also conduct surveillance in the Calicut Medical College.

How Does the Nipah Virus Spread, and What Are the Measures to Prevent It?

Q: How is the Nipah Virus Spreading in Kerala?

Answer: The Nipah virus is a type of zoonotic infection, which means it is transmitted from animals to humans. According to the WHO, the Nipah virus was first identified in Sungai Nipah village in Malaysia in 1998, hence its name.

Q: How Does the Nipah Virus Spread?

Answer: The Nipah virus is usually spread through contact with infected bats or pigs. If infected bats contaminate fruits, and humans or animals consume those fruits, they can also become infected. This means that if you come into contact with a person who is infected with the Nipah virus and they have respiratory secretions or bodily fluids on their hands or other objects, you can also get infected. This is why wearing masks and practicing good hygiene is important to prevent its spread.

Q: is Nipah Virus a Disease That Can Be Transmitted From One Person to Another?

Answer: Yes, the Nipah virus can be transmitted not only from animals but also from one infected person to another. It can spread through respiratory secretions, blood, and other bodily fluids.

This means that if you are in close contact with someone infected with the Nipah virus, you can also contract the infection, especially when the infected person is coughing, sneezing, or exhibiting other symptoms.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Nipah Virus, and When Do They Appear?

Answer: Symptoms of the Nipah virus typically appear within two to fourteen days of exposure. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and breathing difficulties.

Q: How is the Nipah Virus Controlled, and is There a Vaccine for It?

Answer: Currently, there is no vaccine available for the Nipah virus. Control efforts primarily involve supportive care and quarantine measures. If you experience any symptoms of Nipah virus infection, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Doctors can diagnose the infection through RT-PCR testing and take appropriate measures to manage it. Quarantine measures are also crucial to prevent the further spread of the virus.

If the test comes back positive, pay attention to these points:

• Keep the infected person in a separate room to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
• Use PPE kits when taking care of the patient.
• Do not self-medicate; follow the prescribed medications.
• Encourage the patient to drink water regularly.
• Ensure that the patient gets as much rest as possible

Q: Where is the Nipah Virus Commonly Found? 

Answer: Every year, cases of the Nipah virus are commonly reported in several parts of Asia, especially in countries like Bangladesh and India. Beyond India and Bangladesh, this virus is known to have occurred in Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand, among other sensitive countries.

Q: How Does This Virus Typically Spread, Primarily Through Bats?

Answer: The Nipah virus is primarily transmitted by bats, which are the only flying mammals. This virus spreads rapidly from one place to another through them. In reality, bats can carry the virus without harm due to the metabolism of bats, and they can live with it for a long time.

Consumption of fruits or vegetables eaten by bats can also lead to this specific type of fungal infection, which can affect the lungs and nervous system along with causing lung and brain damage.

Q: Is There Also a Risk of Death From the Nipah Virus?

Answer: According to the WHO, the infection is zoonotic. The risk of mortality from it is 40 to 75 percent. Depending on the timely care provided to the patient, it can be lowered, but this remains a significant concern.