Last Updated on: 13th February 2024, 05:25 pm
Nipah Virus: Origin, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Outbreak, Cases
As a growing number of individuals in Pakistan grapple with conjunctivitis infections, the health authorities in Sindh and Punjab have issued a fresh health advisory concerning the potential emergence of the Nipah virus. These advisories have been prompted by reports of a rising number of Nipah virus cases in neighboring India.
To date, Pakistan has not reported any instances of the Nipah virus. With guidance from local authorities, individuals are being urged to exercise vigilance and take precautions.
What Is the Nipah Virus?
The Nipah virus, while primarily known for its transmission from animals, particularly bats or pigs, to humans, can also be transmitted from one human to another. Additionally, it can spread through fruits that have been contaminated by bats.
Health officials are advising people to diligently wash fruits before consumption to mitigate this risk.
Symptoms
This deadly virus is associated with a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and even coma. In some instances, infected individuals may not display any symptoms at all.
In other cases, those affected may experience mild or severe respiratory issues. While it can lead to potentially fatal encephalitis, such severe outcomes are exceptionally rare.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of Nipah virus infection can be challenging, as its initial signs and symptoms are non-specific. Health authorities typically rely on two main tests for diagnosing Nipah virus infection: real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
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Treatment
Currently, there are no specific drugs or vaccines tailored for Nipah virus infection. However, the World Health Organization has designated this virus as a priority disease within the WHO Research and Development Blueprint. As part of the treatment, intensive supportive care is recommended.
Historical Outbreaks
The Nipah virus was first identified during a 1999 outbreak that affected pig farmers in Malaysia. Fortunately, there have been no reported new cases in Malaysia since then. Another country where the virus was identified is Bangladesh, in 2001, and it has experienced nearly yearly outbreaks since.
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