Bangalore: Experts at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road suggest measures and tips to avoid Nipah virus.
Nipah virus is a viral infection, bars and pigs are known source of infection, animal to human transmission is seen, in India and Bangladesh human to human infections are reported by CDC (centre for disease Co trip & prevention).
Symptoms:
- Clinically, fever high grade, headache, and body ache, severe form inflammation to the brain (encephalitis) are seen. 5 to 14 days is incubation period. Symptoms start in 3 to 10 days.
- Disorientation, drowsiness, breathing difficulty can occur. Rapid deterioration can also occur, may need intensive care for most of the patients with isolation care.
- Healthcare workers are affected due to the spread of infection.
- Diagnosis by viral culture (RT PCR), from throat (nasal swab).
Treatment:
- Supportive isolated
- Intensive care
- Barrier techniques for healthcare workers
Prevention:
- Avoid travel to endemic areas
- Washing hands
- Good hydration
- Immediate doctor consultation
- Govt must be proactive in implementing travel precautions
- Advisory notification at the earliest.
