West Bengal, India is currently grappling with a resurgence of Nipah virus, a rare but highly dangerous infection with a mortality rate ranging from 40 to 75 percent. the virus, first identified in Malaysia in 1998, has sparked health alerts across Asia.
A Deadly Virus Returns: What You Need to Know
the Nipah virus, known for its high fatality rate, is prompting increased screening measures at airports throughout Asia, but experts say the risk of widespread international spread remains low.
- Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, linked to outbreaks among pig farmers.
- Recent cases have emerged in West bengal, India, prompting regional health responses.
- Transmission occurs through contact with infected animals (like bats adn pigs) or contaminated food.
- There is currently no approved vaccine for Nipah virus.
The initial outbreak of Nipah virus occurred in Malaysia in 1998, devastating pig farms and resulting in up to 105 deaths and the culling of over a million pigs in an effort to contain the spread. Since then,India has experienced outbreaks in 2001 and 2007 in West Bengal,and again in 2018 in the southern state of kerala,where 17 fatalities were reported.
What are the symptoms of nipah virus? Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. These can progress to encephalitis (brain inflammation) and, in severe cases, coma and death.
Health officials are urging travelers to take precautions. If you travel to or live in an area where Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred, regular handwashing with soap and water or a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is crucial. Avoiding contact with flying fox bats and sick pigs, as well as areas where bats roost, is also recommended. Consuming raw date palm sap or fruit potentially contaminated by bats should be avoided; fully cooked food and washed, peeled fruits are safer options.
caption” data-test-ui=”figurecaption”>Bali’s main international airport has joined the growing list of major airports screening passengers for the deadly Nipah virus. Photo / 123rf
Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the latest to join these screening efforts.The Ministry of Health and Health NZ is monitoring the international situation, stating that the World Health Institution currently assesses the risk of international spread as low. Systems are in place to ensure unwell travelers arriving in New Zealand are appropriately assessed and managed.
Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker believes a pandemic caused by these recent Nipah cases is unlikely, but encourages those traveling to India to exercise extra caution.
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