NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION: BE INFORMED, BE SAFE

What is Nipah Virus Infection?

• The Nipah Virus (NiV) is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae - genus Henipavirus
• Niphah is an enveloped single stranded RNA Virus that can cause Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain
• Mortality rate of Nipah virus infection is 50 - 70%

How Does Nipah Virus Spread?

• Direct contact with infected bats, pigs (saliva, excreta)
• Direct contact with Nipah virus infected people
• Consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated with infectious bat excretions

What are the signs and symptoms of Nipah infection?

• Incubation period of Nipah Virus ranges from 5 - 14 days
• The illness presents in 3-14 days with fever and headache
• Drowsiness
• Respiratory illness / cough
• Neurological signs - disorientation and mental confusion
• Convulsions; personality changes
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• The symptoms can progress to coma within 24 - 48 hours

What are the precautions that need to be taken to prevent Nipah infection?

• Do not eat fruits that have been bitten / half-eaten by bats, birds or animals
• Prevent any contact with bat excreta, including using water from wells contaminated by bats
• Avoid consuming Toddy collected in open containers in areas with large bat population
• Avoid close contact with domestic animals
• Use gloves and personal protection while handling excreta of domestic animals.
• Consume only cooked food, avoid raw fruits and vegetables
• Avoid close contact with patients with confirmed Nipah virus infection
• Do not share clothes, bed linen, towels or utensils with infected persons
• Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter (one arm’s distance) and use personal mask while visiting patients in hospitals.
• After visiting patients, wash hands with soap and water before eating
• Use hand sanitizer to disinfect hands
• Avoid touching people who died of Nipah virus infection during cremation