Here is a 5-point explainer on Nipah virus
Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans and then among humans. The virus is named after a Malaysian village it was first detected in. Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are hosts for Nipah virus.
Fruits bats infected by the virus are spread the infection to humans or other animals. Close contact with an infected animal or with its body fluids carry high risk of transmission. An infected person can pass on the virus to another.
A Nipah infection can cause a problems ranging from respiratory issues to fatal encephalitis - meaning inflammation of the brain. The symptoms include fever, headache, cough, difficulty breathing and vomiting. More severe symptoms are disorientation, seizures and coma. According to the World Health Organisation, cases of Nipah infection have a fatality rate between 40 per cent to 75 per cent.
According to the WHO, no drugs or vaccines specific for Nipah are currently available. "Intensive supportive care is recommended to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications," a WHO note on Nipah infection says.
The global health body stresses that the only way to reduce or prevent Nipah infection in people is by spreading awareness. It recommends public educations messages asking people to wash fruits thoroughly washed before consumption and following precautions after coming in contact with infected people.
Featured Video Of The Day
Nipah Virus Death: Masks Compulsory In Kerala's Malappuram Kerala Says Nipah Virus Outbreak Contained, 472 People Cleared What Is Nipah Virus? Know Its Symptoms And How You Can Protect Yourself Internet Snapped, Schools Shut As Violence Over Mosque Survey Kills 4 In UP Winter Session Of Parliament Begins Today, Waqf Bill In Focus: 10 Points How Ajit Pawar Holds The Key To D Fadnavis vs E Shinde Chief Minister Race Donald Trump's $100,000 Swiss-Made Watch Is A Slow Seller Selenium-Rich Foods Can Support Thyroid Health: Nutritionist Registration Deadline For Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Class 9 And 11 Lateral Entry Test 2025 Tomorrow Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.