Nipah Virus: Nipah virus cases are continuously increasing in Kozhikode, Kerala. In view of this, today Thursday, 14 September, the government has closed some schools, colleges, and offices as a precautionary measure.
The threat of the Nipah Virus is continuously increasing in Kerala. The government has come into alert mode after the death of 2 patients due to ‘Nipah’ in Kozhikode. To stop the spread of the virus, restrictions like lockdown have been announced. As a precautionary measure, the government has closed some schools, colleges, and offices and declared 7 villages as Containment Zone. At the same time, the Kerala government said on Thursday that there is no need for people to panic over the spread of Nipah infection in Kozhikode district, but they should exercise caution.
The government has also kept schools and colleges closed for 2 days. At the same time, it has been told by the government that the form of the virus found in the state is similar to the variant of the virus present in Bangladesh, which spreads from human to human. Its mortality rate is also high. Although this virus is less contagious.
And 7 villages have been declared Containment Zone. Here two people have lost their lives due to the Nipah virus. A 9-year-old child is in ICU.
It has been told by the government that the form of the virus found in the state is similar to the variant of the virus present in Bangladesh, which spreads from human to human. Its mortality rate is also high. Although this virus is less contagious.
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, which means it can spread between animals and people. This is a bat-borne virus. It also causes disease in pigs. NiV is associated with encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which can cause mild to severe illness and even death.
It was first discovered in 1999 after the disease spread to pigs and people in Malaysia and Singapore, resulting in 300 human cases and 100 deaths.
Know how the Nipah virus spreads?
The virus spreads the disease through fruit bats to people or animals, such as pigs. People who come into close contact with an infected animal or its body fluids (such as saliva or urine) can become infected. This initial spread from an animal to a human is called a spillover event.
What are the symptoms of the Nipah virus?
Typical symptoms of the Nipah virus are fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting. The severity of symptoms varies from patient to patient. Serious symptoms are:
- Disorientation, drowsiness, or confusion
- Seizure
- Coma
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
- How can the Nipah virus be prevented?
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Stay away from sick pigs or bats.
- Avoid visiting places known to be inhabited by bats.
- Avoid eating or eating products that may be contaminated by bats, such as raw date juice, raw fruit, or fruit that has fallen on the ground.
- Avoid contact with someone who has been diagnosed with NiV virus through contact with their blood or body fluids.
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