How to prevent the spreading of Nipah virus?
Posted on: 26/May/2018 6:29:22 PM
The viral complaint Nipah is spreading fast in the state of Kerala. In order to create the public awareness about Nipah virus, here are a few related questions and answers:
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus was first found in a city called Nipah in Malaysia in the year 1998. So, this virus was named ‘Nipah’. Nipah has been spreading and harming the people in countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
What are the symptoms?
High fever, severe headache, occasional muscular and joint pains are the symptoms. Some people may suffer from inflammation of brain leading to loss of memory.
Is there any cure?
The doctors may give the general medicines can be given for fever and headache. The doctor may give basic treatment for the affected brain. However, the tragic news is that, in spite of the best medical attention and treatment, 50% to 70% of the patients die.
It has been found that 477 individuals have been affected with Nipah virus from 1998 till date. 252 patients died.
How does the virus spread?
When this virus was detected the 1st time, it was found that the patient, a farmer, was infected from the pig. Later, it was established that this virus existed in the saliva, urine, and feces of the fruit-eating bats. So, it was established that this virus spread through the pigs and bats. Apart from this, the infection may occur from the saliva, blood, or urine of the affected person. This virus can also attack pets like dogs and cats.
Does this affect everyone?
No. Never. No disease/virus, including aids, can affect all the people. A glycol-protein, called ‘receptor’, is required for this virus to enter the human cell. This receptor may not be available in all persons. So, Nipah cannot attack everyone.
How to prevent it?
Keep away from people/animals affected by Nipah. Never take any fruits such as cashew, guava, and mango bitten by the bats. However, the fruit, in full unaffected form, can be taken after a thorough cleaning. Do not eat the meat of affected animals. If the spreading is on a large scale, avoid going to crowded places.
Is there any vaccination for this?
This virus belongs to the group of measles. With efforts, a vaccine may be found. So far, presently, there are no vaccines or medicines for this.
Are there any tests to detect this virus?
It is possible to detect Nipah virus by testing the saliva, nasal phlegm, etc., in the testing laboratories. However, these facilities are not yet easily available. In India, these test labs are available only in Pune (Maharashtra) and Kasoli (Himachal Pradesh).
