Asian Airports have now started health surveillance checkups and travel screening after a case was found in India. Asian Countries like Thailand, Nepal and Taiwan have begun precautionary measures after an outbreak of five cases in West Bengal of Indian State.
After an outbreak of Nipah Virus in West Bengal, more than 100 people are quarantined. In West Bengal hospital, a doctor, a nurse and another staff member were tested positive. Earlier, a male and a female were found survivors of the Nipah Virus in the same district. Read below to get more information about the Nipah Style Virus Crisis.
What is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah Virus, the high mortality rate Nipah Virus infection, which is a bat-borne, zoonotic virus, causes the infection in humans. In past decades, outbreaks of the virus have occurred in nations including India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. The high fatality rates (40%-75%, depending on strain and outbreak) indicate the very serious nature of the virus.
This infection spreads through various mediums, such as from animal to human, which happens through contact with infected bats/pigs or contaminated food products (such as date palm sap). Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with infected people, primarily those providing care for them. This type of infection does not spread like other airborne illnesses. Once the virus enters the body, it infects the lungs and brain, causing inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and other serious illnesses.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus
Initially few symptoms are found in the affected humans. These symptoms are fever, headache, breathing difficulties, cough and sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle pain and severe weakness. If you come into contact with the virus, you will see the changes in your body from the fourth to the 14th day.
It is frequently observed that individuals may first suffer from a fever or headache, later progressing to respiratory issues like coughing and trouble breathing. In severe cases, a brain infection known as encephalitis can develop, which is potentially life-threatening. Other critical symptoms may consist of Confusion and disorientation, slurred speech, Seizures, Coma, and respiratory distress.
Researchers are not completely certain why some individuals experience severe symptoms while others have only mild ones. Furthermore, some individuals infected with the virus may exhibit no symptoms at all.
Outbreak In India
An outbreak of Nipah virus disease has been confirmed in West Bengal, India, with the state reporting five confirmed cases of infection within its borders, including two cases involving healthcare workers at a private hospital. All individuals who were quarantined had an exposure/case connection with another infected person (i.e., through their family member), and approximately 100 persons have been placed under observation due to close contact/exposure.
The reports of these initial cases have led to the implementation of an increase in surveillance and containment activities; however, there are currently no vaccines or treatments available to prevent or treat NI(V), which is of great concern to all.
Government Response
In order to assist with the outbreak, the Government of India has sent rapid response teams along with contact tracing teams, as well as significant expertise from the National Institute of Virology and multiple public health agencies. Although the current case volume remains comparatively low, all health systems are currently experiencing an increased level of awareness regarding this emerging infectious disease.
