Instagram journalist Arun Singh tells us the symptoms, preventative methods, and treatment methods of the emerging disease.
Nipah Virus is a zoonotic virus, capable of transmission from animals to humans, but it can also spread among humans and through contaminated food.
Common symptoms of Nipah Virus include respiratory illness and encephalitis, characterized by swelling of the brain's veins.
Initial symptoms closely resemble those of COVID-19, including fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat.
The Nipah Virus is more lethal than COVID-19, with a mortality rate ranging from 40% to 70%.
Preventive measures, similar to those for COVID-19, include thorough and frequent handwashing.
When near potentially infected individuals, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks is essential.
To prevent transmission, gloves should be employed when handling sick animals, and products accessible to bats and pigs should be avoided.
Currently, there is no drug or vaccine available to combat Nipah Virus, but the WHO has prioritized R&D efforts to address it.