Nipah Virus: What is Nipah Virus, Symptoms & Nipah Virus precautions
Q : Should I be worried ?
A : A little. As it is transmitted from person to person and there is no effective antiviral therapy for this infection .
Q : Who is at high risk ? How is it transmitted ?
- People working with pigs and consuming pigs.
- Farmers who come in contact with bats.
- Consuming Fruits which are already bitten by bat.
- Contact with people who already have Nipah virus infection.
Q : What are the early symptoms ?
A : The initial presentation is non-specific, characterized by the sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pain , nausea and vomiting. Neck rigidity and photophobia are also seen.
The disease rapidly progresses, with deterioration in consciousness leading to coma within five to seven days.
Q : How is it diagnosed ?
A : The rdiagnosis is by ELISA which is currently done at National institute of Virology, Pune.
Q : How is it treated ?
A : Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment and infected patients may require intensive care monitoring.
THERE IS NO APPROVED SPECIFIC THERAPY FOR THIS INFECTION . So prevention is the only cure !
Q : How do i prevent it ?
- Avoid contact with pigs and pig handlers .
- Maintain personal hygeine and intensive hand washing practices
- Avoid consuming raw fruits, Consume only well cooked, clean, home made food till the outbreak settles down.
- Preferably use N95 mask while travelling or working in public places to avoid person to person transmission.
- Be aware of the symptoms and consult nearsest doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
Share this message with all your cared ones ,Together, we can fight and win !
Dr.Arjun.M.B, MD
Dr.R.M.L Hospital, New Delhi.
(National Nodal Centre for Control of yellow fever and other communicable diseases)
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