As of May 25, 2018, the infamous Nipah Virus has claimed 12 lives in the state of Kerala, including the life of a nurse and several other commoners. As per the reports, a fresh case has been tested positive and others who have shown the symptoms have been quarantined. The disease was first diagnosed in the district of Kozhikode and from there has now spread over to Malappuram. The entire of state of Kerala is on high alert as the authorities run around in a scramble to find a cure for this deadly disease.
As per the World Health Organization, Nipah Virus is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes a severe disease in both animals and humans. The virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in the year 1998 and from there has now spread over to India. As quoted by the WHO, the natural host of the virus are the fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. Bats, pigs and humans can act as the mode of transmission of the virus.
The virus can spread directly from human-to-human contact, and can also spread from eating partially eaten fruits which were left behind by bats and pigs. A new report suggested that drinking date palm can also cause infection to spread in one’s body.
It’s highly likely that the infection can spread without the victim showing any signs or symptoms. But be sure to look out for the following symptoms –
- Influenza-like symptoms
- Fever, sore throat, headaches
- Muscle pain and vomiting
- Interference in breathing
- Drowsiness, dizziness, altered consciousness, and other neurological signs.
- In severe cases, seizures and encephalitis may occur which may lead to a state of coma
Although a well-defined cure for this disease has not yet been discovered, we can take some steps to prevent this disease from coming in contact with us.
- Avoid contact with infected people
- Wash hands regularly with soap
- Avoid consuming partially eaten fruit
- Thoroughly wash and peel fruits before consuming
The NIV is a very dangerous disease. In the country of India, it doesn’t take long for a disease of this magnitude to spread. And as long as the cure is not available to the general population, the responsibility falls on us to make sure that we are not victims of this fatal virus. So I urge all of you to take proper precautions and do your utmost to spread awareness about this disease.
If you are interested in knowing more about the virus, do visit the links given below –
