What is Nipah Virus (NiV)

As you must be aware, Nipah virus is a newly emerging infectious disease detected in few parts of southern India. For your safety and well-being, you are requested to make a note of the following information and abide by the same for preventive actions.

What is Nipah Virus(NiV)? Nipah Virus(NiV) infections is a virus transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans. Fruit bats are natural reservoir hosts of NiV. Human to human transmission is through droplet infection through cough and sneeze droplets

What are the Symptoms of NiV? NiV infection in humans has a range of clinical presentations from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory syndrome and fatal encephalitis. The symptoms start to appear within 3-14 days after exposure – Fever Headaches Drowsiness Respiratory illness Disorientation & Mental confusion Encephalitis

What Precautions should you be taking? NiV can be prevented by the following Avoid visiting endemic area Do not consume fruits fallen off from trees Do not drink Toddy/Neera/Kudneera(raw date palm sap) Maintain personal hygiene and wash hands as often as possible Preferrably use N95 mask while traveling/in public places Visit the local onsite clinics or consult a doctor immediately in case you have any of the symptoms

What is the method of Diagnosis & Treatment options available? The infection can be diagnosed only through prescribed lab tests. As of now, there is no treatment available. Intensive support care can only be provided.

We request you to be informed about this disease and help yourself and other colleagues in taking measures and action in timely mann