Nipah Virus – The origin and history of the deadly disease
TNT NEWS | May 24, 2018:
The outbreak of the Nipah Virus in Kerela has shaken the entire country as the death toll increases by the day, causing fear and tension amongst the residents of the state and its neighbouring states.
But many people don't really know much about this deadly virus — its origin and symptoms.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS VIRUS?
Nipah virus is an RNA virus that is part of the Paramyxovidae family that was first identified as a zoonotic pathogen. It is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes a severe disease in both animals and humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. Nipah Virus is usually associated with inflammation of the brain due to which severe days of fever can often lead to a state of confusion, disorientation and even persistent drowsiness. If not taken care of, these symptoms can even cause a coma in a span of 24-48 hours.
RELATED NEWS: Here's how you can protect yourself from the deadly Nipah Virus
WHERE WAS THIS VIRUS FIRST IDENTIFIED?
This virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998-99. On this occasion, pigs were the intermediate hosts. However, in subsequent NiV outbreaks, there were no intermediate hosts. In Bangladesh, NiV was first recognized in 2001 and nearly annual outbreaks have occurred in that country since, with disease also identified periodically in eastern India. In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats.
WHY IS THIS VIRUS A CAUSE OF CONCERN?
NiV infection in humans has a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory syndrome and fatal encephalitis. NiV is also capable of causing disease in pigs and other domestic animals. There is no vaccine for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care.
RELATED NEWS: Nipah virus scare: Health department issues alert
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Some common signs and symptoms of NiV are headache, fever, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and mental issues such as confusion. These symptoms can last up to 7-10 days. Ifected people initially develop influenza-like symptoms of fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours. The incubation period (interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) is believed to range between from 4-14 days. However an incubation period as long as 45 days has been reported
IS THIS VIRUS CONTAGIOUS?
Yes, it is. Nipah virus can be transmitted to humans from animals (bats, pigs), and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human. The NiV is highly contagious among pigs, spread by coughing. The primary carriers of NiV in humans are the respiratory secretions. The risk gets very high is the patient has respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing. At any cost, one should not come in contact with the saliva of an infected person. It has been proven that NiV may also be present in the infected person's urine.
RELATED NEWS: Sunni leader turns up with 'spiritual remedy' to ward off Nipah virus
