Protecting Yourself from the Threat of the Nipah Virus

Hello, Hermina friends, Nipah virus is a disease that many people may not have heard of. However, the reality is that this virus is a serious threat to human health, and it is important to understand it. In this article, we will discuss what the Nipah virus is, how it is transmitted, its symptoms, and how to avoid it.

 

What is the Nipah virus ?

The Nipah virus first appeared in Malaysia in 1998 and is recognised as the cause of a deadly disease outbreak in humans. This virus has also appeared in other countries, such as Bangladesh and India. The Nipah virus belongs to the same family of viruses as the rabies virus, which means it can cause severe infections of the brain and nervous system.

 

How the Nipah Virus is Transmitted

Transmission of the Nipah virus is mainly through contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats, which are the natural reservoir of this virus. Humans can become infected by eating fruit that has been contaminated by the saliva or faeces of infected bats. Apart from that, transmission can also occur through direct contact with the sufferer's body fluids or objects contaminated by these fluids.

 

Symptoms of the Nipah Virus

The initial symptoms of Nipah virus infection are similar to flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. However, this disease can develop into more serious symptoms, such as:

• Encephalitis: inflammation of the brain that can cause confusion, muscle weakness, and even coma.
• Kidney failure: Nipah virus infection can affect kidney function, causing serious kidney problems.
• Respiratory problems: Some sufferers experience difficulty breathing and lung infections.
• Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain that can cause severe headaches.

How to Avoid the Nipah Virus

Although the Nipah virus can cause serious illness, there are steps you can take to avoid it:

1. Avoid contact with potentially infected animals, especially bats. Do not touch or approach sick or dead bats.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly. Always wash your hands with soap and running water after coming into contact with animals or animal products that may be contaminated.
3. Avoid consuming fruit that falls from the tree. Fruit that falls to the ground can be contaminated with bat saliva.
4. Recognise the symptoms. If you or someone around you experiences suspicious symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.

 

Nipah virus is a disease to be wary of because it can cause severe infections in humans. It is important to maintain cleanliness and avoid contact with potentially infected animals. With a better understanding of this disease, we can take appropriate preventative steps to protect ourselves and those around us. Staying alert to the Nipah virus is the key to maintaining our health and safety, Hermina friends. If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, immediately consult and check with a trusted doctor, Friends of Hermina.