Explained: Nipah Virus – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Kerala News
New Delhi: A 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad, Malappuram, tested positive for the Nipah virus on Saturday, as confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, urged residents of Malappuram to stay alert, as the boy is in critical condition and has been transferred to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
The health department has placed 214 individuals who had contact with the teenager under observation, with 60 categorized as high-risk. These individuals will be isolated, and samples from the high-risk group will be collected for testing. A 24-hour control room has been established in Malappuram, and local officials are considering imposing restrictions within a 3-kilometre radius around the outbreak site.
Nipah virus first caused concern in Kerala in 2018, when 17 people from the Kozhikode and Malappuram districts lost their lives to the infection. With renewed focus on the virus, here’s a look at its causes, symptoms, and treatment options:
Causes
- Transmission: The Nipah virus is primarily spread from fruit bats to humans. Contact with infected bats, their saliva, or contaminated food can result in transmission. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids.
Symptoms
- Initial Symptoms: The virus typically starts with fever, headache, and muscle pain. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 14 days after exposure.
- Progression: As the infection worsens, it can lead to encephalitis (brain inflammation), confusion, and seizures. Respiratory issues like cough and sore throat may also develop.
- Severe Cases: In some cases, the virus can lead to coma and death, with mortality rates ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the outbreak.
Treatment
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Medical care mainly focuses on supportive treatments like maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and managing symptoms as they arise.
Prevention
- Minimizing Contact: The World Health Organization advises limiting contact with fruit bats and pigs, especially in areas where outbreaks have occurred. It’s also crucial to ensure that food is thoroughly cooked and to avoid consuming raw or partially cooked fruits.
- Hygiene Practices: Frequent handwashing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are key to preventing the virus’s spread.
Also Read: Kerala Declares Nipah Virus Outbreak Contained, 472 People Cleared
