The newest Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala is the third such outbreak within the state. The preliminary Nipah virus outbreak in southern India was first recognized in Kozhikode in May 2018 after which once more in 2021. According to the World Health Organization, “Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.”
Dr Chandra Sekhar Singha, Consultant, MBBS, MD- Pediatrics, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi, shares, “Nipah Virus, a zoonotic pathogen originating from animals, poses a significant threat, leading to severe respiratory and neurological symptoms in individuals of all age groups, including children. While relatively rare, Nipah virus infection demands serious attention due to its potential for grave consequences.” The physician shares the signs to look out for in kids and steps to take for prevention and treatment.
Nipah Virus In Kids: Symptoms to Note
Dr Chandra Sekhar Singha says that Nipah Virus an infection can current a diagnostic problem in kids, because it usually resembles flu-like signs. “Although the symptoms in children mirror those seen in adults, they may be more prone to experiencing severe complications. Typically, the initial symptoms of Nipah virus infection manifest approximately 4-14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms encompass fever, headache, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and weakness. It is essential to note that these symptoms can rapidly escalate, underscoring the utmost importance of promptly seeking medical attention should any of these signs appear in a child,” Dr Singha says.
In sure cases, the virus can result in extra extreme issues, together with encephalitis (characterised by mind swelling), seizures, coma, extreme respiratory misery, and tragically, even fatalities, says Dr Singha. He warns, “Children with Nipah virus infection are at particularly high risk of developing encephalitis. Encephalitis can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, irritability, hallucinations, seizures and coma.”
Also Read: Nipah Virus Strikes Kerala: Symptoms, Prevention And Steps To Take If You Are Unwell – Know Details
Treatment for Nipah Virus Infection
Dr Singha factors out that Nipah virus an infection doesn’t at the moment have a focused remedy. “Instead, medical care primarily focuses on providing supportive measures to alleviate symptoms and mitigate potential complications. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, involving interventions like mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing and the administration of intravenous fluids to sustain adequate hydration levels,” the physician shares.
Nipah Virus Infection: Precautions and Prevention
Dr Chandra Sekhar Singha says that there are a number of proactive measures that people can take to safeguard themselves and their kids from Nipah virus an infection, together with:
– Steering away from interactions with animals like bats and pigs which will carry the virus.
– Exercising warning by avoiding areas the place bats are identified to collect.
– During outbreaks, implementing rigorous quarantine protocols to comprise the virus and stop its unfold to unaffected areas.
– Refraining from consuming or ingesting objects that might probably be contaminated, reminiscent of unprocessed date palm sap, unwashed fruit, or fruit discovered on the bottom.
– Practicing common handwashing, significantly after potential publicity to animals or contaminated environments.
– Cooking meat and eggs totally earlier than consumption to scale back the danger of an infection.
– Not contacting with the bodily fluids of people confirmed to be contaminated with the Nipah virus.
Source: zeenews.india.com
