People in the Philippines now feared for the Nipah Virus which cause the outbreak and death in India. Here in the Philippines, some schools in Cagayan De Oro ordered suspension of classes as several students have cough and some of them feared of Nipah virus. Though, health officials assured the public that there is no Nipah virus in the country.
What we need to know about Nipah virus and how to prevent from being infected.
Nipah Virus: A Deadly Bat-Borne Virus
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning that it can spread from animals to humans. Fruit bats, also called flying foxes, are the natural reservoir for NiV in nature. Nipah virus is also known to cause illness in pigs and other animals. Infection with NiV is associated with encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and can cause mild to severe illness and even death.
Transmission
Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans in the following ways:
- Direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. This can occur through contact with sick bats, pigs, or other animals that are infected with the virus.
- Eating contaminated food. Nipah virus can contaminate fruits, vegetables, or other foods that have been in contact with saliva or urine from infected bats.
- Person-to-person transmission. Nipah virus can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person. This can occur through coughing, sneezing, or kissing.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Nipah virus infection typically appear within 4 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms of NiV infection are similar to those of other flu-like illnesses, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
However, in some cases, the virus can progress to cause more severe symptoms, such as:
- Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Nipah virus infection. Treatment is supportive and includes measures to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
Prevention
There are a number of things that people can do to prevent Nipah virus infection, including:
- Avoiding contact with sick bats, pigs, and other animals.
- Avoiding eating fruits, vegetables, or other foods that have been in contact with saliva or urine from bats.
- Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
- Cooking meat thoroughly before eating it.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick with Nipah virus infection.
Outbreaks
Outbreaks of Nipah virus infection have been reported in several countries in Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, and Singapore. Outbreaks typically occur during the fruit-bat season, when bats are more likely to come into contact with humans.
Conclusion
Nipah virus is a serious and potentially deadly virus. There is no specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, so prevention is key. People can protect themselves from Nipah virus infection by avoiding contact with sick animals, eating contaminated food, and having close contact with people who are sick with Nipah virus infection.
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