Nipah Virus Symptoms: Following the deaths from the Nipah virus in West Bengal, many countries around the world are concerned about it. Let us explain its symptoms and prevention.

Nipah Virus Bat Transmission: The emergence of a Nipah virus case in West Bengal has once again raised global concerns. The virus spreads from animals to humans, and if it spreads from human to human, the situation could deteriorate rapidly. Its source is usually fruit-eating bats, and sometimes the virus enters the body through unripe date palm sap or fruits contaminated by bats. The most frightening aspect is its mortality rate, which is reported to be around 40 to 75 percent. This is why health agencies go on high alert as soon as a single case of Nipah is detected in any country.

Why is the Nipah virus so dangerous?

The biggest reason Nipah is so dangerous is that there is no definitive cure or vaccine available. Treatment is based solely on symptoms, and in many cases, patients must be kept in the ICU. Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Garg told TOI that even those who survive may suffer long-term neurological problems.

How does Nipah spread in the body?

Nipah virus doesn't show its effects immediately. Dr. Bharat Kumar Surisetti explains that its incubation period is usually 4 to 14 days, but in some cases it can remain latent for up to 45 days. During this time, the person feels completely fine, but the virus remains active internally.

Two stages of the disease

According to experts, Nipah infection often occurs in two stages, including.

The first stage is a flu-like phase.

This stage is characterized by high fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, vomiting, and nausea. People often ignore this, mistaking it for the common flu or COVID-19.

The second stage is the most dangerous.

From here, the disease can become fatal. Nipah virus attacks the brain and can cause encephalitis, which can cause dizziness, excessive sleepiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even coma within 24 to 48 hours.

How does Nipah virus spread?

Direct contact with infected bats or pigs

By eating fruit or drinking unripe date palm juice contaminated by bats

Through contact with body fluids of an infected person (human to human)

In which countries have cases been found?

Cases of Nipah virus have been reported in several parts of the world, including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. In India, two people have died in West Bengal, prompting a global alert. As soon as a case is identified, testing, isolation, and contact tracing are intensified to prevent the spread of the infection.