Nipah Virus: All You Need To Know About The Deadly Infection

The Nipah virus (NiV) infection has been on rise in Kerala in September, with three patients succumbing to the infection, while two have recently tested positive.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is transmitted to people from animals, through contaminated food, or directly from person-to-person.

The animal host reservoir for NiV is the fruit bat. In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and severe inflammation in the brain.

Symptoms of Nipah virus infection include high fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea, according to the UN health agency.

The incubation period of Nipah virus infection in the human body is from four to 14 days, but many have also reported 45 days period.

As of now, there are no drugs or vaccines that specifically target Nipah virus infection. However, one can take preventive measures to protect themselves from contracting the infection.

According to the WHO, individuals should follow the following preventive steps: avoid contact with sick pigs and bats, foods and drinks that are stale or contaminated, and with infected individuals. Additionally, contact with blood and body fluids of an infected person should be strictly avoided. Washing hands frequently is an add on protection.