NIPAH VIRUS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and human s. The natural host of the virus is the fruit bat of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.
Direct contact with infected pigs, other infected animals, or through contaminated fruits (half-eaten fruits left by fruit bats), and even direct contact with sick persons have been cited as the underlying cause of outbreaks.
What is NiV?
Nipah virus infection can occur in humans or animals.
The first major outbreak of NiV in 1998 that left more than 100 people dead in Malaysia supposedly saw domesticated pigs as the hosts.
In 2001, the first outbreak occurred in India in the state of West Bengal and was attributed solely to fruit bats. In 2001, many in Bangladesh fell ill after consuming palm sap which had been contaminated by the fruit bat.
In May 2018, Kerala has reported an outbreak of Nipah virus in Kozhikode district. This is the first time the virus, which has high fatality rate and spreads mainly through bats, pigs and other animals, has been detected in the state.
Direct contact with infected pigs, other infected animals, or through contaminated fruits (half-eaten fruits left by fruit bats), and even direct contact with sick persons have been cited as the underlying cause of outbreaks according to a report in the Indian Journal of Virology.
Symptoms 
- Fever, headache, vomiting, fainting
- Some may show symptoms of epilepsy
- Symptoms may last for 10-12 days
- Then the infected may fall unconscious
- Death may happen as brain fever develops at the final stages
How to prevent?
- Ensure that food is not contaminated by bats. Do not eat fruits that may have been bitten by bats.
- Take precautions to ensure bats don’t eat the food or drop feces on it.
- Do not drink toddy that is brewed in open containers near palm trees.
- Safeguard yourself after coming in contact with someone who has contracted the virus.
- It is important to maintain a distance from the patient, to sanitise and wash hands thoroughly
- Medical officials who are looking after the patients with suspected or confirmed NiV should take basic precautions like washing hands, using a gown, cap , mask and wearing gloves
- Clothes, utensils and items typically used in the toilet or bathroom, like buckets and mugs, should be cleaned separately and maintained hygienically.
It is important to cover one’s face while transporting the dead body of anyone who dies after contracting Nipah fever. The relatives should try refrain from hugging or kissing the dead person and should take utmost care while bathing the body before cremation or burial.
While there is no vaccine available for the infection, preventive measures can be a key to control the spread.
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