Nipah Virus – Symptoms and Preventive Measures

Authored by Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant – Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted via animals to humans, and can also be transmitted via contaminated food or directly between people and is caused by fruit bats. The virus is not only fatal for humans, but for animals as well. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

 The symptoms and signs of zoonotic diseases can greatly differ based on the disease and the organ systems affected. Fever, cough, respiratory distress, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and fatigue are all common symptoms. It is worth noting, however, that some zoonotic diseases can display asymptomatically or with mild symptoms, making early detection and prevention difficult.

 Maintain good hygiene: Hands should be washed with soap and water on a daily basis, especially after managing animals, visiting farms or animal markets, or cleaning pet waste. Hand hygiene is necessary to avoid the spread of zoonotic pathogens.

Vaccinate your animals: Ensure that your pets’ vaccinations are up to date, as several zoonotic diseases can be transferred from animals to humans. Regular veterinary examinations and precautionary measures such as flea and tick control are also required.

Handle food with caution: Meat should be properly cooked to destroy any potential pathogens and avert foodborne zoonotic diseases like salmonellosis. To avoid cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

Protect against vectors: When spending a lot of time in areas with high vector activity, utilise insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and take precautions to avoid tick bites. This reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus significantly.

Inform yourself: Keep up to date on zoonotic diseases that are prevalent in your area. Recognize the symptoms of these diseases and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect an infection.