Nipah Virus Infection Spread in India!

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Introduction

The sudden outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala has sent a chilling wave of scare throughout the nation, creating an atmosphere of panic and fear. Each day, a number of new cases are registered in the hospitals. But with no proper treatment and vaccines available, Nipah virus is looked as a threat to human life. Being highly contagious, the virus is engulfing innocent lives at a fast pace. Due to this, there is an urgent need to spread awareness about the cause and prevention for the same.

Origin

The first outbreak was witnessed in a small village, called Nipah, situated in Malaysia, in 1998, where the pigs were the intermediate carrier of the virus. This caused the death of the contaminated pigs and infected their caretakers.

Coming back to the virus, as per WHO Nipah virus (NIV) infection belongs to the category known as zoonosis (a disease which is transmitted from animals to humans). Nipah is a rare virus which is highly contagious with no available vaccine as of now. Prevention and early detection is the only way to fight Nipah virus. Species of fruit bats are the natural host to this virus and are the main source of Nipah virus transmission.

Transmission

The transmission of Nipah virus takes place through:
  • Direct contact with the infected bats
  • Infected pigs and livestock
  • Fruits bitten by the infected bats
  • Excreta and sheddings of the bat
  • Droplet infection
Being highly contagious, once a human is infected, it can be transmitted very easily by coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms

The main source of identification of the infection is abnormal breathing, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, muscle pain. The onset of these symptoms needs immediate attention and medical advice. The NIV infection usually takes 5-14 days for the symptoms to appear. The condition can gradually progress into a state of coma within 24 to 48 hours.

About the cure, the Nipah virus vaccine is not available at present. With very limited options of treatment, it is extremely important to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. By taking few precautionary steps it is possible to evade the infection.

Prevention


  • Be careful while consuming fruits, make sure to wash them properly
  • Avoid drinking palm sap as the bat's feast on the raw date palm sap
  • Do not buy fruits exported from the infected area
  • Make sure that fruits are not bitten before consuming them
  • Make sure to clean your surroundings to avoid bat droppings
  • Fruits like jamun and jackfruit need to be properly washed as bats feed on these fruits
  • Make sure that bats do not nest near your homes
  • Visit a doctor on the onset of any infection or symptoms
  • Wear face mask in public places
  • Do not come in direct contact with livestock and the infected person
  • Prepare barriers to avoid entry of bats in your gardens
  • Wash your hands more frequently
  • Proper awareness about the infection needs to be spread

Any suspicion and flu-like symptoms need immediate attention, it will only be wise to seek medical assistance. The infected person or victim of Nipah virus needs to be immediately hospitalized for proper care and monitoring.

Since there is no possible cure, Nipah virus has caused a sense of trauma and worry among the human race. As of now, proper knowledge and precaution can help prevent the virus from spreading.


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