10 deaths in Kerala due to Nipah virus
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a virus transmitted to
humans by animals. The virus was identified in 1999 after causing
disease in animals and in humans. The virus is named after the
location where it was first detected in Malaysia.
Who is at risk for Nipah virus?
People of all ages are at risk for
Nipah virus in locations in Asia where the virus is active in local
animal populations. In Malaysia and Singapore, infection has been
associated with close contact with infected pigs. In Bangladesh and
India, infection has been associated with close contact with bats and
consumption of raw date palm sap, a source of food for the local bat
populations.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
Illness with Nipah virus begins with
fever and headache followed by inflammation of the brain
(encephalitis), drowsiness and disorientation characterized by mental
confusion. About half of cases also experience respiratory symptoms
early on. These signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24 to
48 hours. Forty percent of hospitalized cases have died. Serious
nervous disease with Nipah virus encephalitis has been shown to cause
long term illness in some patients that survive, including persistent
convulsions and personality changes.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear five to 14 days
after exposure to the virus.
How is Nipah virus spread?
Transmission has occurred in humans
through direct contact with infected bats, pigs, horses, infected
tissues and infected people. Person-to-person spread is most likely
to occur in family members and caregivers of sick individuals. Modes
of transmission are still being investigated.
When and for how long is a person able
to spread the disease?
At this time, it is not known how long
a person is able to transmit Nipah virus.
How is a person diagnosed?
A variety of laboratory tests exist to
test for Nipah virus. If you feel you have been exposed to Nipah
virus, contact your healthcare provider.
What is the treatment?
Currently, no drug treatment has been
proven to be effective in treating Nipah infection. However, health
care providers may offer supportive therapy (i.e., rest, fluid
intake) to help manage symptoms. At this time, early treatment with
the antiviral drug, ribavirin, can reduce the duration of fever and
the severity of disease. However, how well this treatment cures the
disease or improves survival is still uncertain.
Does past infection make a person
immune?
This is unknown at this time.
Should children or others be excluded
from child care, school, work or other activities if they have Nipah
virus?
Yes. Person-to-person transmission of
Nipah has been reported. Because it is unknown how long an infected
person can spread Nipah, the North Dakota Department of Health should
be consulted before people are allowed to return to work, school or
child care.
What can be done to prevent the spread
of Nipah virus?
This disease can be prevented by
avoiding animals that are known to be infected and using appropriate
personal protective equipment devices when it is necessary to come
into contact with potentially infected animals in areas where the
virus circulates. People in affected countries should also avoid
eating or drinking date palm sap.
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