Nipah Virus: Simple Insights for
Everyone
A zoonotic virus that spreads between humans and animals is known as
Nipah. It is mostly spread by fruit bats, often known as flying foxes, but it
also has the potential to spread via dogs, cats, goats, etc.
The Infection Spreads When ;
● Usually by coming into contact with the infected person.
● An infected animal’s bodily fluids (saliva, pee, blood, or excrement)
come into contact with people or other animals.
● Humans consume food contaminated by the infected animal.
The best way to prevent contracting the Nipah virus is to stay away from
sick animals in places where it is known to spread. It would be best if
you avoided or exercised caution when approaching anyone who has the
Nipah virus since the infection can be passed from person to person
through bodily fluids.
The virus can show symptoms varying from mild to severe, including
encephalitis and death. Since no vaccination or medication is available,
managing the symptoms is the only way to tackle it.
What Signs Does The Nipah Virus Exhibit?
The Nipah virus’s initial signs can include:
● Fever.
● Headache.
● Breathing problems, painful throat, and cough.
● Diarrhea.
● Vomiting.
● Extreme weakness and muscle aches.
The appearance of symptoms starts between 4 to 14 days after being
exposed to the virus. Encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain infection, can
occur in extreme cases.
Serious Signs Include:
● Disorientation and confusion.
● Speaking in a slur.
● Seizures.
● Coma.
● Breathing difficulties.
The virus can spread through respiratory droplets, making it airborne.
How Is The Nipah Virus Identified?
A medical professional can identify the Nipah virus by reviewing your
symptoms and asking about recent travel to regions where the virus is
prevalent. A medical professional can run a real-time polymerase chain
reaction (RT-PCR) test in the early stages of infection to confirm the
presence of the Nipah virus. The following physiological fluids are
analyzed during this test to determine the condition:
● Throat or nasal swabs
● CSF, or cerebrospinal fluid
● Urine specimens.
● Blood specimens.
PREVENTION
If you reside in or visit a region where the Nipah virus is present, you
should follow these precautions to be healthy:
● Always wash your hands.
● Stay away from sick bats or pigs at all costs.
● Sanitize and clean the pig farms. Animals with the virus should be
quarantined as soon as possible.
● Avoid areas where bats are known to rest or sleep, such as trees or
shrubs.
● Avoid consuming potentially contaminated foods or beverages, like
fruit. Before eating, all fruits should be washed and peeled.
● Fruit with bat bites or fruit touching the ground should be thrown
aside.
● Avoid contacting someone with the virus if they have saliva, blood,
or other bodily fluids.
Reach out to the closest healthcare providers right away for treatment
and medication, and take the required precautions to prevent the spread
of Nipah if you are suffering any symptoms.