Two Nipah Survivors Remain In Coma-Like State After Testing Negative: Know Signs, Tips To Reduce Risk

The Malabar region of Kerala sees resurgence of the deadly Nipah virus, leaving local and health care professionals frantic. Here's what you can do to reduce risk of the zoonotic virus.

Nipah Virus

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus which can be transmitted through contaminated food or even directly between or through people.

In its latest, two individuals from the Malabar region, who were once hailed for surviving the deadly zoonotic virus, have raised profound concern for remaining in a coma-like state, months after being declared virus-free.

Symptoms Of Nipah Virus

The symptoms of Nipah Virus can range from mild to severe, which include fever, headache, muscle pain, cough and sore throat.

Disorientation, drowsiness, confusion and coma are other symptoms which appear in severe cases, as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How To Protect Yourself From Nipah Virus

As the Nipah virus keeps resurfacing annually, leaving locals and health care professionals frantic, especially in the Malabar region, it is crucial to secure some basic tips for reducing risk.

Here's what the CDC recommends to prevent the Nipah virus:

• Ensure to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Do not touch flying fox bats or sick pigs.
• Do not go in areas where bats roost or
• Avoid touching anything that could be soiled by bats.
• Stop eating raw date palm sap or fruit possibly soiled by bats.
• Lastly, avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of someone with Nipah.

Treatment For Nipah Virus

According to the Kerala Directorate of Health Services (DHS), currently, there are no licensed treatments available for the Nipah virus.

The DHS explains, "Treatment is limited to supportive care, including rest, hydration, and treatment of symptoms as they occur."

How Nipah Virus Started?

Nipah virus is carried by fruit bats, also known as flying foxes.

The deadly disease was first discovered in 1999, following an outbreak in pigs and people in Malaysia and Singapore.

So far, the deadly disease has only been recorded in a few nations like Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.