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Suspicions of a possible outbreak of the Nipah virus have emerged in Kerala following the recent holidays. The presence of this deadly virus was first confirmed in Kerala on May 19, 2018, specifically in the Kozhikode district. Since then, cases have been reported in both Kozhikode and the nearby Malappuram district. In light of this concerning development, it is essential to address common doubts and concerns regarding Nipah infection.
– What is the incubation period of the virus?
The incubation period refers to the time from when the virus enters the body until the onset of symptoms.
– Is the disease contagious during the incubation period?
No, the disease is not contagious during the incubation period. During this phase, there are no pathogens present in the body fluids that can transmit the disease.
– Does the Nipah virus infect everyone?
The Nipah virus can affect anyone’s immune system, making everyone susceptible to the disease.
– What are the symptoms?
Early-stage symptoms of Nipah infection include body aches, fever, headache, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing, and epileptic syncope may occur.
– Can the Nipah virus be transmitted through water?
No, Nipah virus fever is not a waterborne disease. It is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals such as bats and pigs, as well as through contact with infected individuals.
– What tests are used to confirm Nipah virus infection?
Individuals who have had close contact with a confirmed Nipah patient and later show symptoms will undergo laboratory tests. These tests may involve analyzing blood, urine, throat swabs, and, if necessary, spinal fluid samples.
– How should equipment, clothes, and toilets used by an infected patient be cleaned?
To clean these items, it is recommended to wear gloves, socks, and a mask. After approximately half an hour, the rooms can be cleaned using a bleaching solution made by mixing bleaching powder with water. Equipment can also be sterilized using the same method. Clothes can be boiled, washed, or buried deeply. Finally, it is crucial to thoroughly wash hands, feet, and body with soap and water after completing the cleaning process.
– What precautions should be taken to avoid spreading the disease from deceased individuals?
When handling the dead body, it is crucial to disinfect it immediately and wrap it in a special shroud. Care should be taken to avoid contact with facial and body fluids. Kissing the face or touching the cheeks should be avoided. The nose and private parts of the deceased individual should be covered with cotton, and the mouth should be kept open while covered with a special covering.
– When can Nipah virus infection be considered under complete control?
A disease can be deemed under control if no further cases are reported within a period of 42 days since the last detected case.
– Is it true that bats do not transmit the Nipah virus?
While fruit bats are known as natural carriers of the Nipah virus, isolating the virus from their bodies is challenging. Hence, the absence of testing does not guarantee that bats do not carry the Nipah virus.
12 September 2023, 09:55 AM IST Photo:AFP
OhSuspicions of plague have been raised in Kerala after the holidays. Nipah was first confirmed in Kerala on May 19, 2018. It was in Kozhikode district. Nipah was also confirmed in Kozhikode and nearby Malappuram district. Common Doubts and Answers About Nipah Infection
? What is the incubation period of the virus?
The incubation period is the time from when the pathogen enters the body until the onset of symptoms.
? Is the disease contagious during the breeding period?
The disease is not contagious during the breeding period. During this period, there are no pathogens in the body fluids that can only transmit the disease.
? Does Nipah virus infect everyone?
The disease affects every person’s immune system.
? What are the symptoms?
Body aches with fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat etc. are seen in the early stages and vomiting, spatial confusion, dyspnea and epileptic syncope are also seen.
? Can Nipah virus be transmitted through water?
No, Nipah virus fever is not a water borne disease. It is a zoonotic disease. Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals such as bats and pigs, and through contact with infected people.
? What tests are used to confirm Nipah virus infection?
People who have been in close contact with a confirmed Nipah patient and later show symptoms are subject to laboratory tests. Blood, urine, throat and, if necessary, spinal fluid swabs are sent for testing.
? How to clean equipment, clothes and toilet used by a patient infected with Nipah virus?
After wearing gloves, socks and a mask, the rooms can be cleaned after half an hour by pouring a bleaching solution made by mixing bleaching powder with water. Equipment can also be sterilized in the same way. Clothes can be boiled and washed or buried deep. When you’re done, wash your hands, feet and body with soap and water.
? What are the precautions to avoid spreading the disease from those who have died?
The dead body should be disinfected immediately and wrapped in a special shroud. Be careful not to come into contact with facial and body fluids when transporting the dead body. Avoid kissing the dead body’s face, touching the cheek, etc. The nose and private parts of the dead person should be covered with cotton. Keep the mouth open and cover it with a special cover.
? When can Nipah virus infection be said to be under complete control?
A disease can be said to be under control if no one else has caught the disease within a period of 42 days since the last disease was detected.
? Is it true that Nipah virus is not transmitted by bats?
Fruit bats are natural carriers of Nipah virus. But it is difficult to isolate the virus from the body of the bats. Just because bats aren’t tested doesn’t mean they don’t carry the Nipah virus.
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