Nipah Virus: Understanding Its Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Dr Akash Prabhu August 1, 2024

The unfortunate death of a teenage boy in the state of Kerala has sparked nationwide concern about the deadly Nipah virus. However, this isn't the first outbreak of the virus in the state; there have been several instances in the past where this virus has posed a threat to human lives. In this article, let us learn more about the Nipah virus, its symptoms, causes, preventive measures, and more.

What Is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen, primarily spreads from pigs and bats to humans and can also be transmitted through contaminated food. It can cause a variety of ailments, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory sickness, and fatal encephalitis, with horses and goats also susceptible to severe infection.

Causes Of Nipah Virus

The Nipah virus primarily spreads when humans come into contact with an infected animal, especially pigs, and bats. The following are the major causes of the Nipah virus:

A pig or bat that is infected can transmit the disease to another animal or human by sharing bodily fluids.
The virus can be transmitted between humans via bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, feces, and urine.
Contact with infected animal secretions can also lead to contamination of food.
It has also been reported that people who frequently come into touch with places where bats rest or sleep, including tree climbers, may get the Nipah virus.

Symptoms Of Nipah Virus

Symptoms of the Nipah virus usually appear 4 to 14 days after the virus is exposed. In some cases, the carriers of the virus may show no symptoms at all.

Some of the early symptoms of the Nipah virus include:

Fever
Bodyache
Breathing problems
Sore throat
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Additional symptoms after getting infected with the virus may include dizziness, seizures, and slurred speech.

Diagnosis Of Nipah Virus

A medical professional can diagnose the Nipah virus by assessing the patient's symptoms and inquiring about recent travel to regions where the virus is prevalent. A healthcare professional can confirm the Nipah virus during the early stages of infection with a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. The following body fluids are used in this test to detect the illness.

Throat or nasal swabs
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Urine samples
Blood specimens

How To Prevent Nipah Virus Transmission?

The following preventive measures should be taken to avoid contracting the Nipah virus if you live in or visit an area where the virus is present:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Stay away from infected pigs and bats.
Steer clear from shrubs and trees where bats have been observed to rest or sleep.
Do not consume fruits directly from the plant, especially if you suspect any fruit has been bitten by a bat.
Avoid getting in touch with the blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids of an infected person.
When providing care for a person who has contracted the virus, always wear personal protection equipment (PPE).

The Bottom Line

With the increase in globalization, the transmission of diseases has risen. Currently, there is no vaccine or effective medication for the Nipah virus. The best preventive measure against this deadly disease is to adhere to the adequate precautions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and seek medical attention promptly upon noticing any symptoms.

FAQs

Does the Nipah virus have a treatment?

Currently, there are no medications or vaccines available to treat the Nipah virus. The primary preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected animals and refraining from exposure to the bodily fluids of infected individuals.

What are the risk factors for the Nipah virus?

The main risk factors for contracting the Nipah virus include interacting with bats, pigs, and humans known to have the infection, particularly in regions experiencing outbreaks of the virus.