Last updated on August 21, 2024 by Dr. Subashri Thanigaivel
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In recent days, the word Nipah virus has become a household name. It is an epidemic that has taken countless lives due to the absence of a cure. Here are some facts of the Nipah virus as described by the World Health Organization (WHO)
What is Nipah Virus?
Nipah Virus is a Zoonotic virus that is transmitted from animals to humans. The other modes of this virus transmission are through contaminated foods and from infected patients. The infection passes from specific types of fruit bats and sick pigs.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus
It starts from asymptomatic signs such as fever, headaches, vomiting and other typical sub-clinical signs. The advanced signs include respiratory failure and fatal encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Nipah virus does not have a vaccine or a cure. It starts with normal signs of fever, headache to a severe case of fatal encephalitis.
Source:WHO
History of Nipah Virus spread:
Nipah virus had its first outbreak in the year 1999 amidst the pig farmers of Malaysia. It was also identified in Bangladesh in 2001. Nipah virus spread has also been reported in many other countries like Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand. It has also been reported to affect eastern parts of India.
However, the major cause of Nipah virus spread has been through the consumption of bat contaminated fruits or from diseased pigs.
How to protect yourself from Nipah Virus?
As there is no cure or vaccine for this deadly disease, it is crucial that we take precautions to protect our family and us.
- Take more of immune-strengthening foods such as
leafy vegetables, greens, Indian gooseberry(amla) and so on. - Avoid intake of fruits that have been bitten by
bats, parrots and other birds. - Stay well-hydrated and avoid contact with infected
animals. - Avoid drinking water from open wells as they are
known to have an infestation of bats. - Drink boiled and cooled down water.
- Avoid packaged foods, especially meat and
processed fruits.
As Nipah virus is without a cure, supportive care is the best alternative for this disease. Connect with our LiveRight doctors today to know more about Nipah Virus and its preventive measures.
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