Nipah in Kerala: Culling bats is not the remedy; All you want to know about this deadly virus

- Nelvin Wilson

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus which is transmitted from animals to humans. It can also be transmitted by consuming contaminated food or direct contact with an infected individual.

But unlike covid, Nipah is less contagious. That is, Nipah is not an epidemic that spreads like Covid. Rather, it can be tackled with precautions. Meanwhile, the mortality rate of Nipah is alarming. The mortality rate of Nipah is about 40 to 75 percent. Death is certain if the infected person does not receive proper treatment. Therefore, Nipah should be dealt with extreme caution.

Symptoms of Nipah Virus

High fever is the main symptom of Nipah. Initially, the infected individuals may experience shortness of breath, headache, severe body aches, phlegm, sore throat and vomiting along with fever. After these, the infection causes symptoms like slurred speech, coma, seizures, and brain swelling. The symptoms typically appear in 4-14 days after getting infected. If not treated at an early stage, the patient's condition can become very serious.

Origin of Nipah Virus

Bats carry various viruses. Fruit bats are the natural host of Nipah virus. Nipah virus is believed to have transmitted from bats to pigs and then to humans. Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia. Most of those cases result from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues. After the diagnosis, thousands of pigs were slaughtered in an attempt to combat the disease. About 300 people were confirmed infected and 100 people died.

Nipah is not like Covid!

Nipah virus does not spread as quickly as the Covid-19 virus. Two to three people are likely to get Covid from one infected person. But out of 10, only three or four people are likely to be get infected by a Nipah patient, said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, a member of the IMA Covid Task Force.

'Unlike Covid, Nipah is transmitted through bodily fluids. If a person comes in contact with the patient's secretions, there is a risk of transmission. That is why those who are in close contact with the patient and the caretakers are at increased risk of getting the infection. At the same time, it is not easily transmitted through the air like Covid,' said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan.

Don't blame the bats alone

Many people believe killing bats is the right way to prevent or eradicate Nipah virus. But this is foolishness! IMA state president and health expert Dr. Sulphi Noohu says, “There is a possibility that viruses more dangerous than Nipah will come in contact with the human body if that is done. There are thousands of viruses in the body of bats. If you try to beat it, all those viruses will be scattered. Then it can enter the human body. Anyone who thinks that culling bats can prevent Nipah is a fool.” Dr. Sulphi Noohu said that bats are carriers of viruses that are more dangerous than Nipah.

Can Nipah spread in country?

“There will not be a nationwide situation like Covid. There is less chance of disease transmission even to the neighboring districts,” says Dr. Sulphi. He said, “The transmission rate of Nipah is very, very low. The death rate is very high. Therefore, what is needed now is to provide proper care and service to all the people in the contact list.” Dr Sulphi added that those who are dealing with bats must avoid foods, fruits, juices, toddy etc. that may come into contact with its urine, excreta, saliva, etc.

Can we eat fruits?

Fruits should not be completely avoided. Just be careful while eating them. Inadvertent consumption of fruit partially eaten by bats, or fruit contaminated with its urine, can lead to transmission of the virus. Those who climb trees where fruit bats dwell should also be careful. Fruits should be washed properly before eating. Also, avoid fruits that have been eaten by birds or have claw or beak marks on its skin. While eating fruits like guava and mango, always remove the skin.

Nipah testing in Kerala

Kerala has two labs equipped with BSL-2 certified facilities to investigate the deadly Nipah virus. Kozhikode Medical College and The Institute of Virology located in Thonnakkal (Thiruvananthapuram district) can immediately test the saliva samples and confirm the Nipah virus presence. But technically it is not possible to do official declaration in the state itself. Health Minister Veena George said that official confirmation of Nipah can be done at the Pune Virology Institute and they are trying to get permission to do the confirmation in Kerala itself.

NIPAH Control Cell Numbers

0495 2383100
0495 2383101
0495 2384100
0495 2384101
0495 2386100

(Edited by Mary Rose Baba)