NIPAH VIRUS IN KERALA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Nipah virus (NiV) primarily infects fruit bats, while it can also infect pigs and other animals. Serious symptoms, including death, may result from it. There is no cure for it and no vaccine either. In Asia, notably in Bangladesh and India, it is more prevalent.

Nearly every year, the Nipah virus causes outbreaks in regions of Asia, notably in Bangladesh and India. When the virus caused 100 fatalities in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999, the virus was first identified. The infection caused the death of almost 1 million pigs, which had a significant economic impact on the nations. There have been a further 20 outbreaks since 1999.

Infection with nipah can result in difficulties ranging from inflammation of the brain to respiratory problems. More severe symptoms include disorientation, seizures, and coma. Other symptoms include fever, headache, breathing problems, coughing and sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, and severe muscle and generalised weakness.

The Nipah virus can be fatal to people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) estimate that mortality ranges from 40% to 75% of all cases. How effectively health officials can control the outbreak will determine this.

Fruit bats that were infected with the disease then infected people or other animals. An infected person can spread the virus to another by close contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids.

Interactions with pigs, bats, and people who have a known illness are the main risk factors for the virus, particularly in regions where the nipah virus is causing epidemics. To avoid diseased animals, greater caution should be exercised. Raw date palm fruit and sap should never be consumed since bats can deposit urine, faeces, and other fluids on them.

A medical professional can identify the nipah virus by going over your symptoms and asking about any recent travel to regions where the virus is prevalent. The following physiological fluids are analysed during this test to determine the condition: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nasal or throat swabs, urine samples, and blood samples.

The virus cannot be treated with antiviral drugs. This means that treating your symptoms is the focus of treatment. This could include: drinking plenty of water, Getting a lot of sleep, taking ibuprofen or paracetamol, Using drugs to prevent or treat nausea or vomiting, Using nebulizers or inhalers to help with breathing problems and using anti-seizure drugs when you have a seizure.