For the third time in 5 years, the brain-damaging Nipah virus has surfaced once more within the Kozhikode district of Kerala, main the state well being division to declare a well being alert after two “unnatural” deaths had been reported, adopted by 4 high-risk contact instances with a 9-year-old on ventilator help. Though the sufferers are receiving medical care and a major enchancment has been noticed within the 9-year-old boy who has now been faraway from ventilator help, check outcomes of extra samples are awaited therefore, well being specialists insist precautions.
Nipah virus outbreak: Watch out for these 3 threat components (Photo by Twitter/islantstudio)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Harish Chafle, Consultant Intensivist and Chest Physician at Global Hospitals in Parel Mumbai, defined that Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, which suggests it may be transmitted from animals to people. According to him, Nipah virus an infection can result in a spread of signs, together with:
1. Fever
2. Headache
3. Fatigue
4. Muscle Pain
5. Respiratory Distress
6. Encephalitis (Inflammation of the Brain)
Highlighting that in extreme instances, Nipah virus an infection can progress to a coma inside 24-48 hours and may be deadly, Dr Harish Chafle cautioned towards the first threat components and causes that embrace –
1. Animal Reservoirs: Fruit bats are thought-about the pure reservoir of Nipah virus. Direct or oblique contact with these bats, their excretions or saliva can result in transmission to people.
2. Consumption of Contaminated Food: Consumption of fruits or juices contaminated with bat saliva or urine may end up in an infection.
3. Human-to-Human Transmission: Once an individual is contaminated, Nipah virus may unfold by means of shut contact with contaminated people, particularly in healthcare settings.
He added, “As of my last update in September 2021, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus infection.” Dr Harish Chafle instructed taht supportive care is essential, together with:
- Isolation: Patients must be remoted to stop additional transmission.
- Symptomatic Treatment: Managing fever, ache, and different signs can assist make the affected person extra snug.
- Intensive Care: Severe instances could require intensive care, together with mechanical air flow for respiratory misery.
- Experimental Treatments: Some experimental therapies and antiviral medication have been explored, however their effectiveness is just not well-established.
He concluded, “It’s important to consult with healthcare experts and organizations for the most up-to-date information on Nipah virus, especially regarding any developments in treatment or prevention strategies. For the latest information on Nipah virus, I recommend reaching out to relevant health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and local healthcare providers or institutions for expert guidance specific to your region.”
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
