What are the symptoms of Nipah virus and how can you protect yourself from it?

MANILA — The outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India has revived stronger border surveillance in several countries in Asia. In the Philippines, it brings back the collective fear of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the agency assured that it doesn't see the same thing happening with Nipah virus. Health authorities stress that correct information and preparation is key to curb the spread of the Nipah virus.

WHAT IS NIPAH VIRUS?

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) first identified the pathogen in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore.

Its natural host is the fruit bat, which carries the virus without getting sick. But the virus does not stay in bats alone and can infect other livestock and animals like pigs horses, goat, sheep as well as domestic animals like cats and dogs. During the 1999 outbreak, the WHO said pigs played a major role in spreading the virus, as they are highly contagious during the incubation period, which lasts 4 to 14 days.

Humans can become infected through several ways including direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated food and exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals

NIPAH VIRUS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines recorded Nipah virus cases in Mindanao in 2014, particularly in Sultan Kudarat. Health spokesperson Albert Domingo explained that transmission occurred after people consumed infected horse meat. This confirms that local transmission is possible when animal-to-human exposure occurs.

SYMPTOMS OF NIPAH VIRUS

Health authorities say early symptoms of Nipah virus can look like common illnesses, such as:

• Fever

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Difficulty breathing

But what makes Nipah especially dangerous is that it can cause encephalitis or the swelling of the brain. This may lead to confusion, seizures, coma, long-term neurological damage and even death.

WHY IS NIPAH VIRUS CONSIDERED DANGEROUS?

The Nipah virus has a high mortality rate ranging between 40 to 75 percent. Unlike other pathogens, there is also no vaccine and no specific anti-viral treatment for it. Caring for Nipah-infected patients only involves managing their symptoms and possible complications.

Despite this, the DOH said the country is prepared for the possibility that the Nipah virus may again reach Philippine shores. The DOH has updated national guidelines for Nipah virus preparedness, especially in terms of identifying high-risk areas, wildlife and event-based surveillance, airport screenings, passenger health monitoring and e-travel declarations.

Thermal scanners and health questionnaires on travel declarations help identify whether travelers have been in countries with outbreaks and if they have symptoms.

NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION IS PREVENTABLE

Like all communicable illnesses, infection from the Nipah virus is preventable.

DOH guidelines lay down effective ways to avoid the infection:

Animal-to-human:

• Limit bat access to palm sap and fresh food products

• Use protective clothing when handling sick animals

• Safe slaughtering and culling procedures

Human-to-human:

• Early detection

• Isolation

• Proper infection control in healthcare settings

• Accurate health reporting during travel

As news of the the Nipah virus continues to make headlines, health experts emphasized that preparedness, not panic, is the solution.

Source: www.abs-cbn.com