Nipah Virus: If the COVID-19 pandemic was not enough to stop our world in 2020, the year 2026 has brought in the Nipah Virus that comes with a reported fatality rate of 45 to 75 percent. The worst thing is that there is no specific treatment and no approved medicine till date.
Classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia. In 1998, the first recognized human infection was noticed in the Kampung Sungai Nipah village in Malaysia.
Nipah Virus-How It Spreads?
The zoonotic virus or henipavirus, which spreads from animals to humans, spread primarily via fruit bats (or flying foxes) though it can also spread through dogs, cats, pigs, goats or horses. The virus spreads when people consume food items contaminated partially or fully by an infected animal.
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It can also spread when animals or people get into a contact with the bodily fluids (pee, saliva, poop or saliva) of an infected animal. The Nipah virus can also be spread when people are in extreme proximity with a Nipah virus infected person, generally while caring for them.
DO’S
- Do wash fruits before consuming them
- Safeguard animal feed from bats and other animals
- Cover and protect juice collection sites, sap and wells from bats and other animals
- Wear protective clothing when cleaning or handling sheds and animals
DON’TS
- Avoid consuming half-eaten or contaminated fruits fallen from trees
- Avoid exposure to dead or sick animals
- Keep a good distance from abandoned houses, caves, wells and mines
- Avoid toddy-like liquids or raw date palm juice in open containers
What Are The Symptoms Of The Nipah Virus?
Generally, the time duration from the stage of infection to symptoms is 4-7 days. The symptoms of the Nipah virus can include:
- Chills, fatigue, dizziness or drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing or cough
- Confusion and disorientation
- Seizures, coma or slurring speech
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
- Fever, headache or sore throat
In rare cases, an individual may develop encephalitis that is a life-endangering form of brain infection.
Diagnosis for Nipah virus
Nipah is usually difficult to diagnose without laboratory testing. The ideal diagnostic test is real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of blood, respiratory samples or cerebrospinal fluid. Doctors may also recommend blood antibody detection through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Treatment For Nipah Virus
Presently, there is no approved medicine for victims of the Nipah virus. Doctors and medical support teams may still recommend treatment with oxygen, adequate nutrition and rehydration with frequent monitoring or organ support therapies (renal dialysis or ventilation).
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
