Nipah Virus: Symptoms, Preventions, Facts and Remedies

Nipah Virus (NiV) infection which is a newly emerging zoonosis which causes several diseases in both humans and animals. The origin of the virus is the fruit bats which belongs to the Pteropodidae family. Nipah Virus was initially identified during an outbreak of disease which took place in Kampung Sungai Nipah in Malaysia in the year 1998. After Malaysia, Bangladesh was affected by NiV infection in the year 2004.

People of Bangladesh was affected by NiV infection as a result of consuming date palm sap which was contaminated by the infected fruit bats. Human-to-Human transmission has been documented in Indian hospitals. Apart from Humans, NiV infection is also capable of causing diseases in pigs and other domestic animals. Till date, there are no vaccines found for either humans or animals. The primary treatment given for the humans are the Intensive Supportive Care.

Source: TOI

Symptoms of Nipah Virus

The below are the various symptoms of NiV infection:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Disorientation
• Mental Confusions
• Coma
• Potentially death

Facts about Nipah Virus

The below are the various facts about NiV infection:

• The virus was first observed at Kampung Sungai Nipah in Malaysia in the year 1998
• Fruit bats are the natural hosts of NiV infection
• No vaccine available till date for the NiV infection
• Primitive treatments are the Intensive Supportive Care
• Nipah virus causes Coma in 48 hours

Source: TOI

Nipah Virus – Preventive Measures

The below are the preventive measures for NiV infection:

• Don’t eat partly consumed fruits
• Clean the fruits properly before eating
• Be careful and take care of your kids during the Mango season
• Keep personal hygiene
• Keep your surroundings clean and tidy. Check properly and clean the household articles on daily basis.
• Maintain distance from one who suffers from this virus

Nipah Virus- Remedies

As of today, there is no vaccine available for NiV infection. The only way to treat the patients is through the Intensive Supportive Care. Try to take care of your health and stay away from the NiV infection.

Effects of Nipah Virus

NiV infection slowly started spreading in Kerala, India. 6 people have suffered death in Kerala due to NiV Virus. The Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is taking preventive measurements to save their people from the spreading Nipah Virus.

Neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are also taking primitive measures from the NIV Virus. The virus is getting transferred through people now and it is one big thing to watch and rectify in future. NiV is very dangerous and it is human-killing virus.

Read more about NiV infection from WHO

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy!