Nipah Virus Symptoms, Prevention & Cure

Nipah virus was initially discovered when it caused an outbreak of brain fever among pig farmers in Malaysia. 
The disease causes respiratory and occasionally nervous signs in pigs. It has devastating zoonotic potential. 

TRANSMISSION: 

Fruit bats, also known as‘flying foxes,’ of the genus Pteropus are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat feces, saliva, and birthing fluids. 

It is transmitted from person to person and there is no effective antiviral therapy for this infection so is of much concern. 


Nipah Virus is a zoonotic disease. Transmission to humans in Malaysia and Singapore has almost always been from direct, contact with the excretions or secretions of infected pigs. Reports from outbreaks in Bangladesh suggest transmission from bats without an intermediate host by drinking raw palm sap contaminated with bat excrement, or climbing trees coated in bat excrement. 

HIGH RISK GROUPS: 
-People working with pigs and consuming pigs.
-Farmers who come in contact with bats.
-Consuming Fruits which are already bitten by bat.
-Contact with people who already have Nipah virus infection. 

SYMPTOMS: 

The initial presentation is non-specific, characterized by the sudden onset of fever, headache, muscle pain , nausea and vomiting. Neck rigidity and photophobia are also  seen.
The disease rapidly progresses, with deterioration in consciousness leading to coma within five to seven days.

DIAGNOSIS:


The diagnosis is by ELISA which is currently  done at National institute of Virology, Pune.

TREATMENT:

Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment and infected patients may require intensive care monitoring.
 THERE IS NO APPROVED  SPECIFIC THERAPY FOR THIS INFECTION . So prevention is the only cure ! 

PREVENTION: 

-Avoid contact with pigs and pig handlers  .
-Maintain personal hygeine and intensive hand washing practices
-Avoid consuming raw fruits, Consume only well cooked, clean, home made food till the outbreak settles down. 
-Preferably use N95 mask while travelling or working in public places to avoid person to person transmission.
-Be aware of the symptoms and report to the doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
-Avoid travel to affected places. 

BELLADONNA 200 is recommended by Homeopathy as a preventive medicine.
 Daily morning 4 pills  (after cleaning  the mouth with water) for 3 to 5 days is proven to be useful. 

Also, Ayurvedic Medicine for Nipah Virus:
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (pavala malli leaves) : Parijatha Leaves: 
Take 6 leaves, put it in 200ml water and Boil it and make into 100ml decotion. At the end  put pepper powder and 3 drops of lemon. 
Drink the Kashaya 3-4 times a day.

Article by 

Priya Nistala 
MBBS, Final Year
Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre 


Follow the Precautions, Stay Safe :) - TeamBnba