Kathmandu. Nepal has also been put on high alert after a new case of the deadly Nipah virus was found in the neighboring West Bengal of India. An alert has been issued in the border areas including Koshi Province of Nepal after the infection was found among health workers in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that transmits from animal to human. It is mainly transmitted to humans by fruit bats and pigs. According to the World Health Organization, this virus is very deadly, with a mortality rate of 40 to 75 percent.
The history of the Nipah virus in Asia is very frightening. The virus was first detected in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998. It has been reported in India repeatedly, especially in Kerala and West Bengal. Isolated cases are reported in Bangladesh almost every year.
Another Asian country, Thailand, has not yet tested positive for the Nipah virus, but bats there have been found to be infected with the Nipah virus, which is also considered a high risk.
Due to the open border between Nepal and India and its proximity to West Bengal, there is a high risk of the virus entering Nepal. Health desks have been activated at the border points including Kakarvitta of Koshi Province and at the Tribhuvan International Airport. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, preparations have been intensified for monitoring and testing of suspected patients.
Strict health screening has also been started at the airports of Thailand, a major tourist destination for Nepalis. Experts have suggested that special precautions should be taken when visiting fruits and animals in Thailand because of the large number of fruit bats in the country.
Symptoms
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The following symptoms may appear within 4 to 14 days of infection:
At first, there is fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Coughing and shortness of breath.
Severe brain swelling, the patient becomes confused,
And within 24 to 48 hours, the patient can go into a coma when the brain stops working and the body is completely relaxed.
Precautionary measures
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Since there is no definitive vaccine or medicine yet, precaution is the best solution. When eating fruit, do not eat fruits that have been bitten by bats or fallen to the ground. Wash the fruit thoroughly before eating it. Avoid contact with sick pigs or bats. Do not drink raw toddy (a homemade liquor made from palm tree juice) as bat urine may be mixed with it. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and wear a mask and gloves when coming in contact with an infected person.
Although the Nipah virus does not spread as fast as Covid, it is many times deadlier. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention while moving to the border area and consuming fruits.
