Nipah Virus symptoms and treatment
Q:What is Nipah Virus?
Ans:Nipah Virus infection get its name from the village in Malaysia where the person from whom the virus was first isolated sccumbed to the disease.
Kerala has been on high alert due to death of 9 people because of viral attack.The National institute of Virology Pune, confirmed the presence of Nipah Virus in Kerala. All the deceased people were infected with Nipah virus(NIV)
Infection of Nipha Virus is associated with encephalitis(inflammation of the brain)
Causes:
Direct contact with infected animals like infected pig or through contaminated fruits bitten by bats or even direct contact with sick person.
Symptoms:
Fever
headache
drowsiness
disorientation
In some cases stomach pain,vomiting, blurred vision could also be there. Symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosed by ELISA which is currently done at National Institute of Virology, Pune.
Treatment:
There is no vaccine for either humans or animals.The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care.The treatment method is symptomatic.
Precautions:
This infection can be pevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and not consuming fruits that have fallen from trees. Hospital staff need to strictly use the proper personal protective equipment.Precautions should also be taken when submitting and handling laboratory samples, as well as in slaughter houses.
Preferably use N95 mask while travelling or working in public places to avoid person to person transmission.
Be aware of the symptoms and report to the doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr.Suman Setia BAMS DNHE PGDHHM
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