A few things to know about Nipah

NiV or Nipah virus is a contagious zoonosis disease that is transmitted from animals to humans. It can present itself in the form of asymptomatic infection, acute respiratory syndrome or even fatal encephalitis. Here’s a quick few things to know about this newly-emerging disease.

How is it transmitted?

This could happen through either of the following:

• direct contact with infected bats and pigs who are hosts of the disease
• consuming fruits that have been eaten by infected fruit bats and birds.
• contact with persons who are infected with NiV

There is currently NO VACCINE available for either humans or animals and the only course of treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care.

Symptoms include

• Fever for over 3 days
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Disorientation
• Mental confusion

The symptoms if left unaddressed could progress to coma within 48 hours