The Nipah Virus epidemic in Kerala and now in Karnataka, with numbers on the death toll increasing with every passing day, has caused much panic and fear among the people of India. The main cause of concern is that the reasons for the sudden emergence of such a viral infection in India causing death are ambiguous.
Dr Ramasubramanian (Dr.Ram) from The Capstone Clinic believes it is of prime importance to educate the public about the origins of the Nipah Virus Infection in order to take precautionary healthcare measures to better protect themselves. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about the Nipah Virus answered by Dr.Ram.
What is the Nipah Virus (NiV) infection and where does it originate from?
The Nipah Virus (NiV) Infection is in fact, a re-emerging infectious disease, first isolated and identified in 1998 in a Malaysian Village called Sungai Nipah (and hence the name).
The viral infection was initially discovered in pigs in Malaysia who spread the diseases to the farmers coming into close proximity with them. The virus was known to be closely associated with encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), ultimately resulting in death. While the outbreak was brought under control within a few months, similar cases were found in Bangladesh and certain parts of India including Siliguri and later in Nadia District of West Bengal.
But this time, it was discovered that the primary hosts of the infection were fruit bats.
How does the virus spread from Fruit bats to Humans?
Infected Fruit bats who are natural reservoirs are asymptomatic. They shed the virus in their respiratory secretions and excretions, which may infect pigs and domestic animals. Many reasons for the viral shedding range from rapid urbanization, deforestation and climate change causing stress for fruit bats while leaving their natural habitat to look for food and shelter elsewhere.
This affects areas of the human population especially in coastal areas, where bats are found in large numbers, usually between the months of November and May. The virus can spread to humans after:
Ø Direct contact with infected bats, infected pigs, or from other Nipah virus infected people
Ø Drinking of fresh date palm sap (toddy), possibly contaminated by fruit bats also known to spread Nipah Virus
What are the Symptoms?
The incubation period for the virus is anywhere between 5 and 14 days. Symptoms start off with fever and headache, followed by drowsiness and disorientation. In extreme cases, these symptoms can progress to seizures and then coma within 24-48 hours.
What are the Precautionary Health Measures to be taken?
Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote or vaccine available yet as a cure. But Dr Ram recommends the following health measures to be taken:
Ø Not to consume ‘toddy’ or fresh date palm sap
Ø Not to eat any fruits which may be bitten or eaten by bats
Ø To consume fruits only after proper washing
Ø Direct contact with suspected patients should be avoided. Strict hand washing after contact with suspected patients should be carried out.