Causes and preventive measures from deadly Nipah virus

These days, we hear about the brain-damaging Nipah virus. Reports flashed that it has eaten several human lives. The latest outburst of this virus in India is dominant mainly in four districts of Kerala, namely Kozhikode, and its neighbouring districts Malappuram, Kannur and Wayanad. It is important to know the deep facts and preventive measures of this deadly virus.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic ailment that is naturally spread from vertebrate animals to humans. Cases of human-to-human transmission, through body secretions and respiratory secretions has also been recognized. Simply stating, Nipah virus can be rapidly spread by infected pigs, or by fruit bats, through their secretions of saliva, urine or faeces. Virus is transmitted through eating partially-eaten fruits by infected bats and partially-cooked meat of infected animals. Drinking date palm sap/toddy/juice can also cause the infection. When this virus is introduced into human populations, it leads to severe illness such as encephalitis or respiratory disease.

Risk factors that trigger Nipah virus in people include having close contact with infected animals such as pigs, bats, and/or humans infected with the virus. Additionally, people who consume raw date palm sap is at high risk of getting infected with this virus.  

People who are infected with this virus shows following symptoms:

-       Fever and headache

-       Myalgia (muscle aches)

-       Sore throat

-       Vomiting

-       Dizziness and acute respiratory syndrome or atypical pneumonia

For diagnosis, doctors prescribe range of tests such as viral isolation, RT-PCR, and antibody detection by the ELISA test. When a person is infected with Nipah virus, it may take between 5 and 14 days to experience any symptoms. After that the person may develop fever, headache, or sometimes a respiratory illness for anywhere from three to 14 days, followed by drowsiness, disorientation, and mental confusion.

To treat patients suffering from Nipah viral infection, supportive care is recommended as there is no vaccine available to protect humans.

To shield yourself from lethal Nipah virus, it is recommended to maintain good hygiene practices such as frequent washing of hands and cooking food well before consuming. 

In closing the awareness dialogue, it can be said that Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans. It is an emerging viral disease. All age groups people are at risk of developing this infection. Transmission of this deadly virus has occurred in humans through direct contact with infected bats, pigs, horses, infected tissues and infected people. Presently, no treatment is available. It can be prevented through maintaining hygiene and avoiding to have contact with infected animals. It can be concluded that Nipah virus is troublesome because it can be lethal.

Important: This article is developed through environmental information, academic experience and/ or personal view of writer. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement