Kerala, a state in India, is on high alert due to mysterious deaths of more than 8 people because of Nipah Virus. This unheard virus is yet to be understood by many. Here is information about this virus:
What is NiV (Nipah Virus)?
As per WHO, Nipah Virus is emerging zoonosis that causes disease in both animals and humans. It was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and was caused in pigs. According to WHO, the natural host of this virus is fruit bat of Pteropus genus and Pteropodidae Family.
How is it spread?
- It is highly contagious among pigs and spread by coughing.
- Infected bats shed virus in excretion and secretion such as urine, saliva, excreta and semen.
- Drinking of fresh date palm sap, licked by fruit bats during the winter season is responsible for indirect transmission of this virus to humans.
Signs and Symptoms:
This virus is associated with inflammation of brain due to which severe days of fever can lead to the state of drowsiness, disorientation and confusion. If not taken care, these symptoms can cause coma in 24-48 hours. Some other common symptoms are fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, mental issues and drowsiness. These symptoms can last up to 7-10 days.
How can humans prevent themselves?
-
Animal-to-Human transmission prevention
Fruit bats are very likely to visit date palm trees and lick sap. So, don’t consume date palm sap. Domestic or pet animals can also be carriers of NiV as fruit bats often drop half-eaten fruits which can be consumed by them. Try to keep your pets indoors. Additionally, don’t climb trees where bats may have left their secretions and salvia.
-
Human-to-Human transmission prevention
Human-to-Human transmission of NiV is not very common. However, it is possible to get infected with NiV if one gets in touch with secretions of infected patients. In Malaysia outbreak, the traces of NiV were found in urine as well. So, be cautious if you are sharing a washroom with infected person.
Vaccination for NiV
The vaccine is being developed, which will recombinant sub-unit formulation that has proven successful in cats.
Why are bats turning dangerous?
As per WHO, “It has been attributed to the loss of natural habitats of bats. As flying fox habitat is destroyed by human activities, the bats get stressed and hungry. Their immune system gets weaker, virus load goes up and a lot of virus spills out in their saliva and urine.”