What is Nipah Virus Infection?

The Nipah Virus (NiV) is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae - genus Henipavirus

Niphah is an enveloped single stranded RNA Virus that can cause Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain

Mortality rate of Nipah virus infection is 50 - 70%

How Does Nipah Virus Spread?

Direct contact with infected bats, pigs (saliva, excreta)

Direct contact with Nipah virus infected people

Consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated with infectious bat excretions

What are the signs and symptoms of Nipah infection?

Incubation period of Nipah Virus ranges from 5 - 14 days

The illness presents in 3-14 days with fever and headache

Drowsiness

Respiratory illness / cough

Neurological signs - disorientation and mental confusion

Convulsions; personality changes

Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

The symptoms can progress to coma within 24 - 48 hours

What are the precautions that need to be taken to prevent Nipah infection?

Do not eat fruits that have been bitten / half-eaten by bats, birds or animals

Prevent any contact with bat excreta, including using water from wells contaminated by bats

Avoid consuming Toddy collected in open containers in areas with large bat population

Avoid close contact with domestic animals

Use gloves and personal protection while handling excreta of domestic animals.

Consume only cooked food, avoid raw fruits and vegetables

Avoid close contact with patients with confirmed Nipah virus infection

Do not share clothes, bed linen, towels or utensils with infected persons

Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter (one arm’s distance) and use personal mask while visiting patients in hospitals.

After visiting patients, wash hands with soap and water before eating

Use hand sanitizer to disinfect hands

Avoid touching people who died of Nipah virus infection during cremation