Nipah Virus: Everything you need to know about deadly viral attack | Symptoms, Prevention, More

Kerala and whole India has been on high alert due to mysterious deaths of numerous people because of a puzzling viral attack. The virus is the only cause behind these deaths, as per National Institute of Virology, Pune.

A mysterious virus, NiV is still misunderstood by many. Let us check what the virus is all about.

NiV – What is it?

Nipah Virus is an emerging zoonosis that causes deadly disease in both animals and humans, as per World Health Organisation (WHO). NiV was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998. The primary cause at that time was pigs and that got transferred to humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of Pteropus genus, as per WHO.

The virus can be transferred through infected pigs, bats or humans.

Humans who got infected by other humans were officially reported in India and Bangladesh.

Symptoms

NiV is usually associated with inflammation of the brain which can lead to state of confusion, drowsiness and severe days of fever. If not taken care of, it can cause a coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Common signs of Nipah Virus are headache, fever, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness. These signs can last for 7-10 days.

Prevention

There is no particular vaccine available till date. The only way to treat this virus is by intensive supportive care. Hospitals need to raise awareness about signs, symptoms and transmission to avoid human to human infections.

Anyone who feels the signs should get thorough test from a recognised centre.

Avoid direct contact with pigs, bats and infected humans. Health professionals should take precautionary steps like wearing masks and gloves.

If you feel uneasiness then get yourself tested immediately and stay safe!