Nipah Virus: Symptoms, precautions and treatment

15 people, including a nurse, died in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala within two weeks. Keralites are in panic over the spread of a deadly virus.

Reports have confirmed that the cause of death of people from across the district of Kozhikode is Nipah Virus. This virus that spreads from a type of bats is dangerous to both humans and animals too. The death is caused due to the spread of this virus in the heart and brain.

There is no vaccine for the disease caused by Nipah virus attack. Primary treatment can be intensive supportive care according to WHO

Treatment is limited because Nipah virus encephalitis can be transmitted person-to-person, standard infection control practices and proper barrier nursing techniques are essential in preventing hospital-acquired infections.

It is suspected that the Nipah virus infected three other people who died in Malappuram. Their blood samples have been sent to the virology lab in Manipal.

Precautions are always better than cure:

If you have excessive fatigue and drowsiness along with fever and cough, you should meet a doctor immediately. Do not forget to wear mask and gloves. Do not spend too much time with patients. Do not eat fruits and vegetables, which have been partially eaten by birds and animals. Avoid eating mango, guava and Java apple. Do not use any of the things, which have kept in open pots. People should be more serious about health if you are staying nearby where there are more bats. Keep yourself clean and tidy. If you go to a nearby hospital, you should wash your hands and feet clean with soap.

 

• Nipah-virus
• Kerala
• vaccine