look news india
New Delhi/Kolkata. Whenever infectious diseases are discussed in India, the names of dengue and malaria come to mind, but in the medical world, ‘Nipah Virus’ is considered one of the deadliest threats. According to latest reports, cases of infection in West Bengal have once again raised concerns, following which neighboring countries like Thailand and Nepal have tightened thermal screening of passengers at airports. The scariest thing about Nipah is its Fatality Rate Which in many cases can be more than 70%.
What is Nipah virus and how does it spread?
Nipah is a ‘zoonotic virus’, that is, it spreads from animals to humans.
Main carrier: The biggest reason for its spread is ‘Fruit Bats’ or fruit-eating bats.
Mode of infection: The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with bat saliva, urine or the fruits eaten by them.
Date Juice: Consumption of raw date palm sap has been a major cause of infection in India and Bangladesh, as bats often roost on these trees.
Human to human: People who are in close contact with an infected person can also easily fall prey to it.
Surgical strike of ‘Nipah’ on the brain
Neurologist at CK Birla Hospital (CMRI) Dr. Deep Das According to, this virus causes severe inflammation in the blood vessels of the body.
“This inflammation helps the virus to cross the body’s ‘blood-brain barrier’ and reach the brain directly. This causes massive swelling in the brain, which in medical language is called Encephalitis It is said.”
Symptoms: Journey from fever to coma
The symptoms of Nipah change very rapidly and it does not take long for the patient’s condition to deteriorate:
Early signs: High fever, headache, muscle pain and difficulty in breathing.
Critical condition: Mental confusion, lethargy, seizures and unconsciousness.
Fatalities: Due to swelling in the brain, the body loses control over vital functions like breathing and heart rate, which can lead to the patient going into a coma or dying.
Prevention is the only treatment: Dr. Deep Das’s advice
Since there is no exact vaccine or treatment available for Nipah yet, caution is the biggest weapon:
Fruit check: Do not touch or eat fruits that have fallen on the ground or are gnawed by birds.
beverage: Completely avoid consumption of raw date juice.
Cleanliness: Wash hands regularly with soap and avoid visiting infected areas.
quick auction: If symptoms like mental confusion are seen along with fever, immediately go to the hospital and keep the patient in isolation.