The state of Kerala is in a state of daze and panic as it faces the outbreak of Nipah virus in some of its districts again. And even though the state government has been quick to respond, there is still time for us to breathe a sigh of relief as it has not been contained completely. So what is this virus exactly and why is it considered to be so dangerous?
What is Nipah virus?
Named after Kampung Sungai Nipah, the place at which it was said to be originated in Malaysia, 1998, Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease (a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans) that is naturally hosted by fruit bats. Fruit bats are considered as a reservoir of diseases as they carry 60 different types of viruses and also cause diseases like Ebola and Zika. Since fruit bats can only be found in warm regions, the outbreak of Nipah is largely restricted to such places like Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India.
How is Nipah virus transmitted?
Nipah Virus can be transmitted to humans via direct contact or via the transmission of body fluids.
Source: Practo
As the chart shows, one can get infected by the Nipah virus by being in direct contact with the bats, eating fruits bitten by bats affected by the same or by eating the animals who have consumed such fruits. It can also spread by being in direct contact with a person infected by the virus.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
NiV can spread inside the human body without any significant symptoms until a period of two weeks. However, some might display symptoms similar to that of influenza (commonly called flu).
Why is Nipah virus this deadly?
NiV is considered to be deadly for two main reasons-
The virus has the ability to develop into fatal encephalitis, which is a condition that can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain. Also, there is no such cure to NiV. No treatment can completely cure one suffering from Nipah virus and the current treatments only involve supportive care.
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