By Admin 
Nipah Virus In Kolkata: Two suspected cases of Nipah virus have been reported in West Bengal on January 11. After this, Nipah virus is once again in discussion. The reason for this is the very high death rate of this virus and the absence of any solid treatment or vaccine till now. The Health Department is taking this matter very seriously. It spreads very fast, so being careless about it can have dangerous consequences.
Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999. After this, its cases have been coming to light in Bangladesh and India. This virus is mainly spread by fruit-eating bats, but can also reach humans through pigs and some other animals. This disease can also spread by coming in contact with an infected person.
Why is Nipah virus so dangerous?
According to health experts, the mortality rate of Nipah virus can be 40 to 70 percent, which is much higher than viruses like Corona. For this reason, the World Health Organization has included it in the list of priority diseases for its research and development. Nipah cases have already been reported in India. In some incidents, the virus also spread inside hospitals, where people caring for patients themselves became infected. It is clear from this that this virus can spread rapidly from human to human.
What is Nipah virus and how does it spread?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, that is, it spreads from animals to humans. The main ways of its spread are-
- coming into contact with the blood, saliva, urine, or feces of an infected bat or animal
- eating fruit eaten or contaminated by bats
- drinking raw date juice
- Coming in close contact with an infected person
What are the symptoms?
If we talk about its symptoms, initially common symptoms like fever, headache, body ache, vomiting and sore throat are seen. Later, dizziness, confusion, fainting and encephalitis may occur. In severe cases, the patient may even go into coma within 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms of infection may take 4 to 14 days, sometimes up to 45 days, to appear.
prevention is the best cure
At present there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Nipah virus, hence caution is the strongest weapon. For this you-
- Keep distance from animals like bats and pigs
- Do not drink juice of half cut fruits or raw dates
- wash hands frequently with soap
- Avoid contact with infected or suspected patients
- Follow health department warnings and advice
Where have Nipah cases been found?
According to the Center for Disease and Prevention, cases of Nipah virus have so far been reported only in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. Statistics show that this virus may have spread in limited areas, but the danger is very serious.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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