What is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a rare but severe illness with a high fatality rate. It has appeared sporadically in epidemic proportions since 1998, impacting regions in India such as the Indo-Bangladesh area and coastal zones of Kerala. This zoonotic disease is transmitted from bats to humans and farm animals, particularly pigs.
Can Nipah Impact Children and the Elderly More?
Nipah virus symptoms include high fever, headache, dizziness, altered sensorium, seizures, and breathing difficulty. No age group is immune, and anyone in contact with an infected case or animal can contract the disease. Children and the elderly can experience severe manifestations due to their immature or weakened immune systems.
The Risk of Nipah on Organs
Dr. Sanjeev Dutta, HOD and Sr. Consultant in Neonatology & Paediatrics at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, explains that Nipah virus primarily affects the lungs and brain. It can lead to respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, rapid breathing, fever, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause encephalitis (brain inflammation), resulting in disorientation, seizures, and even coma or death.
No Vaccine for Nipah Poses a Higher Threat
Since there is no vaccine available and no specific therapy for NiV infection, prevention is crucial to control outbreaks. Preventive measures include standard precautions, hand hygiene, and safety measures.
Standard Precautions
People, especially children and the elderly, should avoid contact with sick patients and animals. Infected individuals’ food and personal belongings should be segregated, as the virus can spread through fomites. The use of masks, especially N95 masks, can protect against droplet transmission of the virus.
Hand Hygiene
Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using 70% alcohol-based sanitizers is critical for personal protection.
Safety Measures
Avoid consuming raw date palm sap, as it may be contaminated with bat saliva. Additionally, people should refrain from eating fruits from the ground or fruits that appear to be bitten or licked by fruit bats.
The findings of this study are relevant globally, given the increasing spread of obesity and its associated complications. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from Nipah virus infection.