As Kerala gets ready for the approaching bat breeding season, health officials have released new alerts concerning the Nipah virus, a dangerous zoonotic disease that has emerged in the state before.

The Kerala Health Department has increased awareness and monitoring initiatives, identifying five districts- Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad, and Ernakulam- as high-risk regions.

Why Are These Areas on High Alert?

The Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research in Kozhikode has highlighted these five districts because of previous outbreaks and the detection of Nipah virus in fruit bats. Fruit bats, referred to as Pteropus bats, serve as the natural reservoirs for this virus and are recognized for transmitting it to humans directly or via contaminated food sources.

Although the virus typically exhibits greater activity between May and September, recent studies indicate that cases may arise as early as February, leading officials to broaden their monitoring activities.

In what way does the Nipah Virus transmit?

Nipah Virus (NiV) is a highly infectious zoonotic virus, indicating it transmits from animals to humans. Nonetheless, it can also disseminate:

Via tainted food- Eating fruits or date palm sap infected with bat saliva or urine.
Through direct human-to-human interaction- Close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual, like saliva, blood, or urine.
From animals to people- Individuals such as farmers or workers dealing with infected pigs, bats, or various animals face increased risk.

Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection

The signs of Nipah virus infection vary from mild to severe and may manifest 4 to 14 days following exposure. In certain instances, the incubation period might last as long as 45 days.

Initial Symptoms:

Fever
Migraine
Coughing and throat pain
Muscle soreness
Erbrechen und Durchfall

Serious Symptoms:

Trouble with breathing
Sleepiness, disorientation, or changed awareness
Convulsions
Encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which may result in a coma.
Fatality in critical situations

How Is the Nipah Virus Identified?

Due to the seriousness of the illness, timely identification is essential. Health authorities in Kerala have required that all patients exhibiting symptoms of brain infections (encephalitis) undergo testing for the Nipah virus. Samples from suspected cases will be sent to Manjeri Medical College or Kozhikode Medical College for initial analysis.

Is There a Cure for Nipah Virus?

At present, there is no designated antiviral therapy or vaccine available for the Nipah virus. The approach to treatment is mainly supportive, emphasizing the management of symptoms. This might encompass:

Liquids and hydration to avert dehydration
Pain medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) to alleviate fever and muscle discomfort
Oxygen therapy or breathing assistance in critical cases
Medications for seizures in case neurological symptoms arise.

Scientists are exploring monoclonal antibody therapies that could offer a potential cure in the future.

How to Safeguard Yourself Against Nipah Virus?

As there is no vaccine available, prevention remains the strongest protection against the Nipah virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests the subsequent safety measures:

For Individuals:

Refrain from eating raw fruits that could have been nibbled by bats.
Avoid consuming raw date palm sap, as it might be polluted.
Clean fruits thoroughly prior to eating.
Steer clear of interacting with ill animals, particularly bats and pigs.
Use protective equipment such as masks and gloves when dealing with animals in hazardous zones.
Clean hands frequently with soap and water.
Steer clear of direct interaction with infected persons and their bodily fluids.

For Healthcare Workers and Farmers:

Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and gowns when caring for patients.
Sterilize medical devices that touch patients.
Separate infected people to stop the transmission.
Enforce rigorous infection control protocols in hospitals and agricultural facilities.

Nipah Virus Mortality Rate and Kerala’s Readiness

The World Health Organization states that the case fatality rate (CFR) of the Nipah virus varies between 40% and 75%, positioning it as one of the most perilous zoonotic diseases. Kerala’s Health Department is vigilantly tracking potential cases and improving testing capabilities to avert an outbreak.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.

Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.