As per the latest media news a young boy is suspected to have contracted Nipah Virus Infection. The health authorities from Ernakulam are awaiting the Pune Virology Laboratory results to confirm the presence of the Nipah Virus. This news has made quite a headline, and you must have certainly read about the Nipah Virus Infection cases been reported in the state of Kerala in 2018. Therefore, we are sharing this article on Nipah Virus Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and treatment to help you acquire knowledge around this important GS topic and prepare accordingly for the Railways and SSC exam.


Nipah Virus Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment


Nipah Virus Key Facts


Nipah virus is a kind of virus that can infect humans and cause severe illness. It was first discovered in the year 1998 in Malaysia and Singapore.


The clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic infection (no symptoms) to fatal encephalitis (brain inflammation).


A large outbreak was witnessed in West Bengal, India in 2001 and Bangladesh in 2004. Recently, in 2018 Nipah virus infection was reported in the state of Kerala, India which is still ongoing.


Nipah virus (NiV) belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus and it is associated with Hendra virus.


Nipah is also said to be a zoonotic virus which means a diseased animal transmits the infection to humans. This virus usually causes infection in animals such as fruit bats and pigs. Moreover, the flying foxes in Malaysian peninsula also carry NiV infection.


There is no vaccine/treatment for Nipah Virus Infection till now. The only treatment is supportive care.


Nipah Virus Infection in India


Last year, in Kerala, India Nipah Virus infection occurred in the month of May 2018. The source of this infection is Fruit bats and rabbits that infected humans.


This infection was brought under control until recently, i.e. on Monday, it was reported that a youth was infected by the Nipah Virus. The youth is currently under treatment at a private hospital near Kochi.


Health Minister K.K. Shailaja has not yet confirmed the claims made by the online media. She further assured that the Health Department is fully geared to face any kind of eventualities. Last year, the NiV infection claimed 12 lives, there were nearly 22 positive cases from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.


Transmission






Image Source: WHO


NiV infection transmission occurs when a human comes in direct contact with infected pigs, bats or any NiV infected person.


In India, person to person transmission is reported. The transmission also occurs due to direct contact with infected bats. A most common example is the consumption of raw date palm sap that is infected with bat excretions.


Symptoms of Nipah Virus




Image Source: WHO


A person with Nipah virus infection will experience illness only after the incubation period of  5 to 14 days.


The initial infection is mentioned below –


Fever


Headache


Vomiting


Nausea


Shortness of Breath


Drowsiness


Confusion


Coma


Within a period of 24 to 48 hours, the sings and symptoms can progress to coma. Some people might also experience respiratory issues during the initial part of the infection.




Diagnosis


Laboratory diagnosis is generally carried out during the acute and convalescent phases of the infection by using a combination of tests like RT-PCR for which throat and nasal swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, urine is taken. ELISA test is done for antibody detection.


Treatment of Nipah Virus Infection


At present, there is no medicine to counteract Nipah virus infection. It is dealt with supportive care. Antiviral or any other medicines are yet to be found to treat Nipah Virus infection in people.


Risk of Exposure


In India and Bangladesh, the NiV infection is quite frequent and its exposure is associated with the consumption of raw date palm sap and contact with bats.


FAQs Related to Nipah Virus Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis  & Treatment


Q.1 How does Nipah Virus Infection transfer in human?


Ans.1

The Nipah virus infection can be transferred in human when an individual comes in contact with the excrement or droppings of infected pigs, fruit bats or Nipah Virus Infected person. It also gets transferred when a person consumes raw date palm sap contaminated with bat droppings. (raw date palm sap is a drink consumed in parts of Asia)

Q.2 Please elaborate on how the Nipah Virus spreads in people?

Ans.2

Nipah virus spreads among person to person if they come in contact with infected body fluids like nasal droplets, blood or urine.

Q.3 What is the treatment for Nipah Virus Infection?

Ans.3

The only treatment given to Nipah Virus infected person is supportive care. Till now, there are no antivirals or any other medication found for treating this viral infection.

Q.4 What is Nipah Virus/Nipah Virus Infection?

Ans.4

Nipah virus is a kind of virus that can cause serious infection and could lead to severe illness.



Q.5 How to protect oneself from Nipah Virus Infection?

Ans.5

To protect yourself from Nipah Virus infection you must keep yourself away or restrict contact with fruit bats,  pigs in the areas infested with NiV infection. Also, avoid the consumption of raw date palm sap. You must also take some precautions like avoiding or restricting contact with body fluids from a person infected with NiV infection. Make use of protective equipment such as facemask, gloves, gown, and follow good hygiene practices.

You can also download Nipah Virus Causes Symptoms Diagnosis study notes from the link given below;