The Nipah virus may be fatal in 40 to 75 percent of infections, according to the WHO. The term “Nipah” refers to a Malaysian hamlet where the initial epidemic was recorded in 1998–1999; the virus it causes has a high fatality rate.
Kerala has been taking all necessary measures to stop the virus’s spread as it has been getting worse. Two individuals have already died from the virus, which has a high mortality rate but is not very infectious, and at least five others have been affected.
While the virus first causes moderate symptoms including headache, muscular soreness, exhaustion, and nausea, when it begins to disrupt brain function, it may proceed to mental disorientation, seizures, and encephalitis.
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Nipah virus: what is it?
“Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic organism, may seriously afflict people. Despite the possibility of human-to-human transmission, it mostly spreads from animals to people. Dr. Ajay Aggarwal, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital Noida, said that the symptoms of virus infection can range from mild to severe.
After an outbreak in Malaysia, the virus was first identified in 1998. Nipah virus infection might result in severe respiratory illness and encephalitis (brain inflammation), according to Dr. G. Sneha, Consultant in General Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Signs of the Nipah virus
The Nipah virus’s earliest warning signs and symptoms include fever, headache, dizziness, myalgia, vomiting, and loose stools. This might progress to encephalitis and brain-related seizures. Respiratory involvement might potentially be the cause of respiratory failure.
The virus can transmit from person to person through close contact, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated items or surfaces, thus it’s imperative to take care to stop this from happening. To stop epidemics of the Nipah virus infection, public health measures including isolation, quarantine, and infection control procedures are crucial. It is crucial to get advice from local health officials and adhere to advised preventative measures if you anticipate an epidemic of the Nipah virus in your region or are worried about possible exposure, adds Dr. Agarwal.
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Top 10 symptoms
Fever
Headache
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea
Dizziness
Mental confusion
Seizures
Respiratory symptoms
Coma
Treatment
According to Dr. G. Sneha, supportive care is the cornerstone of treatment and there is no particular antiviral therapy for Nipah virus infection.
Comprehensive infection prevention continues to be built on the foundations of hand cleanliness and personal protective equipment (PPE). We must keep in mind what we learned from Covid and take the same measures that we have been doing for the previous few years, including using masks, washing our hands, and avoiding social contact.