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NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION – PREVENTION IS THE ONLY CURE
It is reported that a 12-year-old boy died yesterday due to Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode, Kerala. The samples of the boy were tested at Pune National Institute of Virology & Nipah infection was confirmed.
As per information, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus, through their saliva. As such, treatment or vaccine is not available for either humans or animals. The primary treatment is only supportive care & fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%.
The infection exhibits wide range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection (subclinical) to acute respiratory infection & fatal encephalitis. Since, the signs & symptoms are nonspecific, we might miss the initial cases & this can play havoc in spreading the disease before we identify it. The symptoms of Nipah infection, bird flu & swine flu are quite similar.
The incubation period is known to range from 4 to 14 days normally & even extended to 45 days. Survivors of acute encephalitis are prone for prolonged neurologic complications, including seizures, personality changes etc. In few cases, relapse or delayed onset of encephalitis also is reported.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting & sore throat, followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, or neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people also experience atypical pneumonia & severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis & seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.
Diagnostic tools used are RT-PCR from bodily fluids & detection of antibodies through immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in addition to cell culture. Culling of infected animals & cautioned burial, incineration of carcasses are preferred to reduce the risk of transmission to people, once we identify the source.
Personal protective measures should be worn while handling patients, sick animals, or their tissues, without fail. Regular hand washing should be carried out if you are caring or visiting sick people.
TAILPIECE: As there is no cure, awareness is the only way out to prevent the deadly disease. Again, care should be taken to avoid usage of palm sap & other fresh & birds bitten food products. Avoid consumption of unpasteurized fruit juices or partly eaten fruits. Freshly collected palm juice should be boiled & fruits thoroughly washed & peeled before consumption. Doctor can cure the disease, but only a great doctor can cure the cause.
NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION – PREVENTION IS THE ONLY CURE
It is reported that a 12-year-old boy died yesterday due to Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode, Kerala. The samples of the boy were tested at Pune National Institute of Virology & Nipah infection was confirmed.
As per information, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are the natural host of Nipah virus, through their saliva. As such, treatment or vaccine is not available for either humans or animals. The primary treatment is only supportive care & fatality rate is estimated at 40% to 75%.
The infection exhibits wide range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection (subclinical) to acute respiratory infection & fatal encephalitis. Since, the signs & symptoms are nonspecific, we might miss the initial cases & this can play havoc in spreading the disease before we identify it. The symptoms of Nipah infection, bird flu & swine flu are quite similar.
The incubation period is known to range from 4 to 14 days normally & even extended to 45 days. Survivors of acute encephalitis are prone for prolonged neurologic complications, including seizures, personality changes etc. In few cases, relapse or delayed onset of encephalitis also is reported.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting & sore throat, followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, or neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people also experience atypical pneumonia & severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis & seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.
Diagnostic tools used are RT-PCR from bodily fluids & detection of antibodies through immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in addition to cell culture. Culling of infected animals & cautioned burial, incineration of carcasses are preferred to reduce the risk of transmission to people, once we identify the source.
Personal protective measures should be worn while handling patients, sick animals, or their tissues, without fail. Regular hand washing should be carried out if you are caring or visiting sick people.
TAILPIECE: As there is no cure, awareness is the only way out to prevent the deadly disease. Again, care should be taken to avoid usage of palm sap & other fresh & birds bitten food products. Avoid consumption of unpasteurized fruit juices or partly eaten fruits. Freshly collected palm juice should be boiled & fruits thoroughly washed & peeled before consumption. Doctor can cure the disease, but only a great doctor can cure the cause.