- The Nipah virus outbreak in Kozhikode, Kerala, shows 6 reported cases with 2 deaths, and medical care is ongoing for the other 4 people.
- Authorities issued alerts in Kannur, Thrissur, Wayanad, and Malappuram, designating 7-gram panchayats as containment zones.
What is Nipah Virus
- Nipah virus is a dangerous disease that affects both animals and humans.
- Nipah virus, belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae, is a zoonotic virus, meaning it usually infects animals but it can be transmitted to humans.
- Fruit bats are the natural hosts of this virus, and they can pass it to other animals, like pigs.
- Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and Singapore, but later it was found in other parts of Asia, including Bangladesh and India.
How Does Nipah Virus Spread
- Nipah virus spreads from animals to humans, and sometimes from human to human.
- Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are considered the natural hosts of the virus.
- People who come in contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, like urine or saliva, can get sick.
- Additionally, close contact with an infected person can also lead to transmission of the virus.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus
The symptoms of Nipah Virus infection can vary, but they often include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Breathing difficulties
- Cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Blurry vision
- In severe cases, Nipah Virus can lead to Encephalitis, a dangerous brain inflammation that can be fatal.
**If you or someone you know shows these signs after contacting infected animals or people, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.**
How to Diagnose Nipah Virus
Nipah virus diagnosis involves specific tests. Here’s how doctors identify it:
- Blood Tests: A blood sample is taken to check for Nipah virus antibodies.
- CSF Analysis: Cerebrospinal fluid is checked using a lumbar puncture for severe cases.
- Throat Swab: A swab from the throat may detect the virus in some cases.
- Chest X-rays: To look for lung infections, doctors use X-rays.
- PCR Tests: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests detect Nipah virus genetic material.
- Serum Testing: Serum tests help determine if the virus is in the blood.
- Brain Imaging: MRI or CT scans may show brain swelling in severe cases.
- Urine Tests: Urine tests can sometimes identify the virus.
- History Check: Doctors consider exposure to infected animals or people.
- Symptoms Review: Doctors ask about your symptoms, like fever, headache, and cough.
Treatment for Nipah Virus
- Currently, there is no specific treatment for Nipah virus.
- Prevention is better than cure.
- Doctors can provide supportive care to manage symptoms and help the body fight the infection.
- Symptomatic treatment: Doctors can treat your fever, cough, and other symptoms to help you feel better.
- Supportive care: Staying hydrated and getting enough rest is essential to fight off the virus.
- Ribavirin medications: This medicine can slow down the virus, making it less harmful.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These help your immune system fight the virus.
- Read and Follow government orders. See Kerala Govt. order for Nipah Virus.
** If you or someone you know is suspected of having Nipah virus, please seek immediate medical attention from a qualified healthcare provider.**
Prevention for Nipah Virus
- Avoid Bats and Pigs: Stay away from areas where bats are known to live.
- Quarantine and Isolate: Suspected or confirmed cases of Nipah Virus should be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Don’t Eat Contaminated Food: Be cautious when consuming fruits that might have been contaminated by bats or other animals.
- Drink Luke’s warm water- Cold water can trigger symptoms like cough, and breathing difficulty. So During this infected atmosphere Drink well Luke’s warm water.
- Safe Food Handling: Ensure that fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed and properly cooked before consumption.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and avoid close contact with sick people.
- Wear Protective Gear: If you need to care for someone who is sick with Nipah virus, wear protective clothing like gloves and masks.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with information from health authorities and follow their guidance.
commonly Questions Asked Nipah Virus-related
Q.1. Nipah virus is spread by which animal?
Ans.- The Nipah virus spreads through bats and sometimes even through pigs.
Q.2. Nipah virus was first reported in which country?
Ans.- Malaysia in 1999.
Q.3. Nipah virus get transmitted?
Ans.- The Nipah virus spreads when a person or animal comes into contact with the virus through things like infected fruit bats, contaminated food, or direct contact with infected people or animals.
It can also spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.