The “dangerous” Nipah virus: What are its symptoms and how can it be prevented?
After an Indian state recorded cases of Nipah virus among a number of medical workers, authorities and residents have growing fears of a wider spread of the infection, especially given the seriousness of the virus and its rapid spread if it is not contained early.
Health authorities in India have announced the detection of new cases in recent days, prompting them to tighten monitoring and control measures within medical facilities and surrounding areas.
According to local media, authorities have confirmed five cases of Nipah virus infection so far, including doctors and nurses working in various medical institutions.
Reports indicated that this week alone saw 3 new infections, including a doctor, a nurse, and a member of the health staff, which increased concerns about the transmission of infection within hospitals and among health sector workers.
Sources reported that the situation remains relatively under control, although at least one case remains in critical condition, prompting authorities to handle the situation with extreme caution.
Medical and epidemiological surveillance teams continue to track contacts and conduct necessary tests, in an effort to break chains of infection and prevent a recurrence of wider outbreak scenarios that could threaten public health in the state.
What is the Nipah virus?
Amjad Al-Haddad, head of the Serum and Vaccine Center in Egypt and a consultant in allergy and immunology, said that the Nipah virus is one of the most dangerous zoonotic viruses, as it is primarily transmitted from bats to humans, with the possibility of it being transmitted later between humans through bodily fluids or direct contact, which raises the level of health concern associated with it.
Al-Haddad added in statements to Sky News Arabia that the virus was first discovered in Malaysia in 1998, where it was linked at the time to a widespread outbreak among pigs, before it became clear later that it was capable of infecting humans with serious diseases affecting the respiratory system and the brain, which made it a subject of constant monitoring by international health organizations .
Symptoms and Prevention
Al-Haddad explained that the symptoms of the Nipah virus usually appear after an incubation period of between 5 and 14 days, and begin with general symptoms that may seem simple at first glance, such as high fever, chills, headache accompanied by dizziness, and general fatigue. As the condition develops, the infected person may suffer from respiratory disorders including coughing and difficulty breathing, in addition to nausea and vomiting.
He added that “in the most serious cases, the virus may reach the nervous system, causing severe inflammation of the brain, which leads to disturbances in consciousness, severe confusion, and may end up in a coma.”
Al-Haddad pointed out that some groups are more susceptible to the virus, most notably those working on pig farms or in markets where animals and their products are traded, as well as people who deal directly with bats or their products. The groups at risk also include individuals caring for infected patients inside homes or hospitals, especially if they do not adhere to personal protective measures .
Amjad stressed that “there is still no approved vaccine to prevent the Nipah virus, which makes adherence to preventive measures the first line of defense.”
He added that “these measures include avoiding direct contact with bats, ensuring that meat is cooked thoroughly, using masks and gloves when dealing with patients or animals suspected of being infected, in addition to washing hands regularly and following the instructions of health authorities, with immediate reporting of any suspected cases.”
