Two cases of Nipah virus infection were reported in India. What is infection and how does it spread?
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two cases of Fatal nipah virus in india Authorities in Thailand and Malaysia have been prompted to increase screening at airports to prevent the spread of infection.
But what is Nipah vs?Irus, and how worried should people be? Here are some answers.
India’s health ministry on Tuesday said two cases of Nipah have been detected since December and all identified contacts have been isolated and tested. The ministry did not release details about the patients, but said 196 contacts have been traced and all have tested negative.
“The situation is being continuously monitored and all necessary public health measures are being taken,” the ministry said.
No cases of the virus have been reported outside India, but several Asian countries introduced or strengthened screening measures at airports as a precaution.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah is a rare viral infection that spreads to humans largely from infected animals, primarily fruit-eating bats. it could be easiermptomatic but it is often very dangerous, with a case fatality rate The World Health Organization says 40 to 75 percent, depending on the capacity of the local health care system to identify and manage.
However, while it can also spread from person to person, it does not happen easily, and according to experts and experts, outbreaks are usually small and fairly controlled. European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Candidate vaccines are under development, although none have been approved yet.
How common is this?
Nipah was the first It was identified in Malaysia in 1999. Since then, small outbreaks have occurred almost every year, mostly in Bangladesh. Sporadic outbreaks are also seen in India.
As of December, a total of 750 cases had been reported, and 415 patients had died, according to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a group that tracks emerging disease threats and funds the development of medical tools to protect against them.
How does it spread?
When first recognized Malaysia, Nipah spread due to salivaJelly from direct contact with sick pigs or contaminated tissues. Since then, it usually spreads through contact with what scientists call its natural host: fruit bats.
More specifically, consumption of fruit or fruit products – such as raw date juice – that contain the urine or saliva of infected fruit bats has been the most likely source of infection, WHO says. Human-to-human spread has been found, primarily after close contact between an ill patient and their family or caregivers.
what are the symptoms?
initial symptomsOm of Nipah, like this Symptoms, such as fever, headache and muscle pain, are not specific and can be confused with other diseases. Subsequent neurological signs may indicate acute encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and some people experience severe respiratory problems.
Ten people have died there after being infected with the Nipah virus, a disease believed to be spread by fruit bats and other animals.
In severe cases, seizures occur, leading to coma within a few days. Most people who get better make a full recovery, but some experience long-term neurological problems.
How worried should we be?
Kile nipah ad haiScientists say that despite being a dangerous disease with a high mortality rate, it has not yet shown signs of being more contagious between humans or spreading easily around the world.
However, according to WHO, it remains a significant public health concern, especially in countries where outbreaks are more common. This could also lead to mass culling of farm animals such as pigs, which are susceptible to the virus.
Scientists say it is unlikely to spread globally – but point out that screening at airports may be ineffective because the virus has a long incubation period.
What vaccines or treatments are there?
None currently accepted Vaccines or treatments for Nipah, although several candidates are undergoing trials, including one developed by Scientists at the University of Oxford are involved in developing one of the COVID-19 vaccines.
thir nipah vaccine usIt is the same technology, and began Phase 2 trials in Bangladesh in December in collaboration with the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, and with funding from the Coalition for Emergency Preparedness Innovations.
