Nipah Virus: Deadly Nipah returns in Kerala! Know everything you need to know about this deadly virus
Nipah Virus:
Nipah Virus has recently created a stir in Kerala after two suspicious deaths. Actually, it is believed that the cause of these deaths is the deadly Nipah virus. In such a situation, an alert has been issued in the state regarding this virus. Nipah virus is a very serious virus which usually spreads through animals. Let us know all the important things related to this virus-
What is Nipah virus?
According to the
Cleveland Clinic, Nipah virus is a deadly virus that spreads from animals to humans. This is the reason why it is also called zoonotic virus. It is spread primarily by fruit bats, also known as flying foxes. However, apart from bats, this virus can also spread through other animals like pigs, goats, horses, dogs or cats. This virus is usually spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal, such as blood, feces, urine, or saliva.
Where is Nipah virus found?
Almost every year, outbreaks of Nipah Virus are seen in some parts of Asia, mainly Bangladesh and India. It was first discovered in the year 1999, where 100 people died in Malaysia and Singapore due to this virus. Apart from India, countries sensitive to this virus include Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines and Thailand etc.
SymptomsÂ
Usually, symptoms start appearing within 4 to 14 days of coming in contact with this virus. Initially there is fever or headache and later problems like cough and difficulty in breathing.
Initial symptoms of Nipah virus may include the following:-
- Fever
- Headache
- difficulty breathing
- cough and sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- muscle pain
- extreme weakness
- In severe cases, this virus can cause brain infection, which can prove fatal. In severe cases the following symptoms are seen-
- Confusion
- trouble speaking
- seizures
- fainting
respiratory problems
What effect does it have on humans?
Nipah virus can prove fatal for humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% to 75% of Nipah virus cases can result in death. However, the death toll also depends on how health officials are managing the disease to prevent it.
Cause
The first case of Nipah Virus came to light when people started falling ill after coming in contact with infected pigs. After this, experts concluded that the virus had spread to pigs from bats as the original source. If a person or animal comes into contact with the fluids of an infected bat or pig, such as blood, feces, urine, or saliva, it will infect them as well. Apart from this, this virus can also spread by coming in contact with food items contaminated with the fluids of infected animals.
Is this virus contagious?
Yes, Nipah virus is contagious. It can spread through bodily fluids like saliva, stool, urine and blood. This means that if you are taking care of someone suffering from Nipah virus, you can also get this infection when the victim coughs or sneezes. This is the reason why this virus is also airborne.
