The death toll in Kerala has crossed 10 due to Nipah Virus (NiV). According to the National Institute of Virology (Pune), Nipah Virus is the main cause of these deaths. Kerala health secretary, Rajiv Sadanandan, states, “The government has started its preparation to combat this Virus and the people need not get panic.
What is NiV?
First identified in Singapore and Malaysia in 1998, NiV (Nipah Virus) is a newly rising virus that leads to severe disease in animals and humans. Caused in pigs and transferred to humans through them at that time. Before Kerala, it out broke in Siliguri and Nadia in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007. In which death caused 68 and 100% respectively. According to WHO, the natural homes of this virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus. The virus is generally transferred through infected pigs, bats or humans.
Nipah Virus symptoms
According to health experts, Nipah Virus is an airborne transmission infection and can influence anyone who will come in direct contact with infected bodies. Generally, it has an association with the brain inflammation and this can cause confusion and drowsiness. Here are some common symptoms of Nipah Virus:
- Fever
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Mental confusion
- Coma
- Respiratory problems
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Potentially death
These symptoms last for 7-10 days. When you come across any one of these symptoms, rush to a doctor/health clinic.
Prevention and cure
These days, there is no specific treatment for Nipah Virus. Only intensive supportive care is available to treat this virus. Here are some steps that you can take for the prevention of this virus:
- Stay away from eating date palm
- Avoid direct contact with infected bats, humans and pigs
- Get tested immediately as you feel uneasiness