Kerala is once again seeing a rising risk of severe Nipah infection. According to recent reports, a 14-year-old boy undergoing treatment for the infection at Kozhikode Medical College died on Sunday. He was put on a ventilator after he complained of respiratory problems. The child, a resident of Malappuram, was confirmed to be infected on Saturday.
According to media reports, about 246 people who came in contact with the patient have been listed, out of which 63 are considered high risk. In view of this deadly infectious disease in Kerala, health experts have advised all people to remain alert and keep taking preventive measures.
Earlier in the month of August-October last year, cases of Nipah infection were reported in Kerala. Kozhikode district was considered to be the most affected by it. In view of the infection, orders were also issued to close the educational institutions of the district.
Let us know why Nipah infection is considered dangerous, how does it spread and what measures can be taken for prevention?
Health officials alerted
Health department officials said, the risk of infection is increasing, everyone needs to keep making efforts to protect themselves. Nipah can spread rapidly so caution is necessary. Avoid going to infection-affected areas.
Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals such as pigs and bats to humans. Apart from being transmitted from animals to humans, the infected person can also be a threat to others. Nipah can be a major health risk, it is considered more dangerous than corona. Its mortality rate has been considered to be 45-75 percent.
Nipah infection and its risk
Bats are considered to be the main cause of Nipah virus transmission. It can spread to humans through fruits or other food contaminated by bats. Health experts say, clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Do not eat fruits bitten by birds.
Those infected may suffer from asymptomatic to severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting and respiratory infections. Severe cases can lead to seizures and coma due to swelling of the brain. There is no vaccine for Nipah.
Treatment of Nipah infection
Monoclonal antibodies have been considered effective in Nipah infection and its risks. Last year, the Indian government had ordered monoclonal antibodies from Australia. It will now be given in Kerala. At present, there is no vaccine available against Nipah virus. It can spread from one person to another through physical contact with people infected with Nipah virus. It is advisable to keep distance from such people.
How to protect yourself?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if someone is experiencing symptoms of infection for 3-5 days and it is not getting cured with normal treatment, then it needs serious attention. Since there is no vaccine to prevent it, it is important to increase awareness about reducing the infection.
