Nipah Virus: Kerala States 5 Districts High At Risk, Know Symptoms & How You Can Protect Yourself

Kerala's Health Department has been raising awareness in five districts, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad, and Ernakulam as they are thought to be hotspots for the zoonotic infection ahead of the bat mating season. The Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research, located in Kozhikode, has lately released new warnings, calling for increased vigilance in the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Ernakulam, according to a Mathrubhoomi article. The Nipah virus has already been found in these districts in either fruit bats or people.

The fruit bat breeding season, which runs from May to September each year, is thought to be the time when the virus spreads the most.  But according to recent research, the risk may also persist until February, which has prompted more surveillance. The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to people. It can also spread directly between people or through tainted food.

Signs and symptoms of Nipah virus

Nipah virus can cause mild to severe symptoms. An infected person may show the following symptoms-

• Fever
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Sore throat

Drowsiness, confusion, altered consciousness, coma and neurological signs like acute encephalitis are some of the severe symptoms. The initial symptoms may appear between 4 to 14 days after the infection. In some cases, the incubation period can be as long as 45 days.

Sore throat, fever and headaches are a few symptoms of Nipah virus
Photo Credit: iStock

How to protect yourself from the Nipah virus?

Currently, there is no vaccine for the Nipah virus. It is advised to follow all precautions to limit the spread during a suspected outbreak. WHO recommends these tips to prevent animal-to-human transmission.

1. Pick fresh fruits carefully. If you are collecting fruits from a farm, any fruit with a sign of bat bites should be discarded.
2. Wear protective gear like gloves, and masks while handling sick animals. Avoid coming in contact with pigs and bats. Do not visit places where bats are known to roost.
3. In places with a suspected outbreak or positive cases of Nipah virus, avoid close contact with infected people. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water especially when meeting someone with symptoms.

"The case fatality rate in Nipah virus is estimated at 40% to 75%. Healthcare workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed infection, or handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions at all times," mentions WHO.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.