After Kerala successfully routed its first outbreak of Nipah virus infection in 2018, the state is on a high alert after a 23-year-old was tested positive for the illness. Following which, 86 people across the state have been put under surveillance after sending out their samples to Pune Virology Institute. To brace for any untoward situation, special isolation ward has been set up at Ernakulam Medical College. Nipah virus infection is an emerging zoonotic disease spread mainly through fruit bats. The Nipah virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, is an aggressive pathogen that manifests as encephalitis, and the infection has a fatality rate of 74.5 percent. The best way to stay safe from the virus is prevention. Here are some important tips to prevent exposure. What is Nipah Virus? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Preventive Measures of the Bat-Borne Illness.

How Is Nipah Virus Transmitted?

Fruit bats are hosts to Nipah virus. When human beings come in contact with the infected bats, they transmit the virus to humans. But coming in contact or consuming with bat-eaten fruits, date sap, etc. can also transmit the deadly virus to human beings. Here are some of the ways in which the virus spreads:

• Bat to human

• Human to human

o Patient to healthcare worker

o Patient to caregivers

o Patient to patient

o Dead bodies

Steps to Prevent Nipah Virus Infection

To prevent coming in contact with the Nipah virus, the following measures should be followed:

• Never touch, pluck or eat fruits from trees that appear to be bitten by animals or birds.

• Do not consume fruits or drink date palm sap in areas where the virus is endemic.

• Avoid exposure to sick animals such as pigs and bats in endemic areas.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap if you come in contact with the infected.

• Maintain one full stretched arm distance while dealing with a person with the infection.

• Any household objects kept outside the house should be cleaned thoroughly with water and soap.

• Alcohol-based santisers should be used to clean hands. #

• Avoid frequenting public places without proper reinforcements such as masks and hand sanitisers.

“If you live in the endemic areas and you see symptoms such as headache, fever, confusion, you should go to the nodal hospital at once and start treatment,” says Dr Om Shrivastava, Consultant Infectious Diseases and Immunology. Nipah Virus Is What We Get When We Disrespect The Ecology.

It’s also important to stop believing in rumour mills during such times. Avoid forwarding WhatsApp messages that spread misinformation or scaremongering rumours. Wait for instructions from the government and rely on the news instead of social media for information.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2019 02:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).