Visual stories

Categories

What exactly is the Nipah virus, and how does it compare to COVID-19?
27 Jan' 21

What exactly is the Nipah virus, and how does it compare to COVID-19?

 


Kerala is now fighting two separate viral epidemics. The number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, as is the current Nipah virus outbreak. Even though these viruses appear to be identical, they differ in several ways.

On Sunday, a 12-year-old boy in Kerala died of the Nipah virus. According to Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, 11 people who came into contact with Nipah sufferers had developed symptoms of the disease. 

Here's everything you need to know about the Nipah virus, including what it is, how it spreads, how dangerous it is, and more.

 

What is the Nipah virus?

 

The Nipah virus was initially discovered in Malaysia in 1990. It was initially discovered in India in 2001 in Siliguri, West Bengal, where 45 people died as a result of it. In 2018, the Nipah virus was reported in Kerala. The virus has a fatality rate of 40-80 percent and a two-week incubation period, which is concerning. 

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that is spread from animals to humans.

 

It can also be spread through contaminated food or directly between people. Fruit bats are to blame. Infected individuals may experience severe symptoms such as acute respiratory disease and deadly encephalitis. 

It's not an airborne infection, although it can be passed from person to person.


Common symptoms of Nipah virus 

 

Symptoms of the Nipah virus infection are similar to those of the COVID-19 infection. Cough, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle soreness, exhaustion, and swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can cause headaches, stiff necks, mental disorientation, seizures, and light sensitivity, are some of the most prevalent symptoms. A person may also go unconscious, which can result in death.


Also read Can the Flu and Dengue fever outbreaks have an impact on the third COVID wave?

 

Treatment 

 

The virus has yet to be identified as having a therapy. If you notice the symptoms, you should see a doctor very away, who will confirm the diagnosis using RT-PCR, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and blood tests. Antibody testing is done later after the patient has recovered. The doctor may prescribe medications to treat encephalitis and other symptoms. Self-medicating is not recommended because it increases the risk of complications and worsens the illness.

 

Precautions 

 

Avoid contact with infected animals and humans by not eating fruits that have fallen to the ground. To yet, no vaccination has been developed to tackle the virus. Fruit bats should be kept at a distance, and stray animals should not be touched or approached.

Comments

Write your first comment.

Leave us reply:

Related Blogs

Sun exposure throughout these periods of the year is beneficial to your health
07 Nov' 21

Sun exposure throughout these periods of the year is beneficial to your health

Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, a vitamin that is critical for our overall health. However, not everyone realizes that ...
Healthy Lifestyle
07 Nov' 21

Healthy Lifestyle

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, painful, and difficult to talk about. They are, nevertheless, fairly common: around half of persons...
6 techniques to improve your body image and make you feel better about yourself
07 Nov' 21

6 techniques to improve your body image and make you feel better about yourself

Women, unlike most males, are rarely pleased with their appearance and are constantly seeking a better body image, according to sp...
Is there a link between hair dyes and cancer?
07 Nov' 21

Is there a link between hair dyes and cancer?

Hair dyeing is quite prevalent among women and men over the age of 40, with estimates indicating that 50% or more of women and 10%...
Are you wearing a lipstick that has beyond its expiration date? It's making you feel ill.
07 Nov' 21

Are you wearing a lipstick that has beyond its expiration date? It's making you feel ill.

Let's be honest about it! We rarely check the expiration date on lipsticks before continuing to use them. If you do the same, y...
7 foods and beverages to avoid if you have hazy urine
07 Nov' 21

7 foods and beverages to avoid if you have hazy urine

Urine is an excellent measure of dietary quality. The color, odor, and particulates in urine can all be affected by an increase in...
Is it true that weighted blankets can aid with insomnia?
07 Nov' 21

Is it true that weighted blankets can aid with insomnia?

Insomnia is a type of sleep disturbance that affects about 10% of adults in the United States. It's defined as having trouble fall...
How Long Should You Fast for Autophagy?
07 Nov' 21

How Long Should You Fast for Autophagy?

Autophagy is a natural cellular function that allows our cells to digest superfluous or damaged components within them. Autophagy ...
The warning indications and symptoms of a lung infection and how to treat it
07 Nov' 21

The warning indications and symptoms of a lung infection and how to treat it

Many variables can have an impact on our respiratory health. Given that the air quality in the country has deteriorated significan...
Is your fever caused by dengue fever or a common viral infection? Here's how to figure it out:
07 Nov' 21

Is your fever caused by dengue fever or a common viral infection? Here's how to figure it out:

Dengue fever can be quite devastating to a person's health. The most common symptoms include fever and other symptoms such as wear...
How does online consultation work ?
07 Oct' 21

How does online consultation work ?

The demand for doctors is projected to rise as modern treatment allows people to live longer. However, thanks to technological adv...
Three drinks to speed up your metabolism if you're trying to lose weight
07 Oct' 21

Three drinks to speed up your metabolism if you're trying to lose weight

Losing weight isn't easy. There are numerous factors to keep in mind and pay attention to for healthy and long-term weight loss, f...
Is it possible for lemon water to hurt your kidneys?
07 Oct' 21

Is it possible for lemon water to hurt your kidneys?

Lemon is high in vitamin C, which aids calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining bone density. Lemon water is a delig...
Flu cases are on the rise: How long do you have to be contagious if you have the flu?
07 Oct' 21

Flu cases are on the rise: How long do you have to be contagious if you have the flu?

During the COVID-19 period, flu and viral illnesses are on the rise. While we wait for a probable third wave of COVID-19, flu case...
Blocking Immune System Pathway May Stop COVID-19 Infection and Prevent Severe Organ Damage- says study
07 Oct' 21

Blocking Immune System Pathway May Stop COVID-19 Infection and Prevent Severe Organ Damage- says study

Stopping COVID-19 infection and preventing severe organ damage could be as simple as blocking an immune system pathway. A cell ...
mRNA technology is being considered by pharmaceutical companies for flu vaccines
07 Oct' 21

mRNA technology is being considered by pharmaceutical companies for flu vaccines

Following Covid-19's validation of mRNA technology, many pharmaceutical companies are racing to use the same recipe to make influe...
World Contraception Day 2021: What you need to know about contraception
07 Sep' 21

World Contraception Day 2021: What you need to know about contraception

The 26th of September is World Contraception Day. The goal is to raise awareness of all available contraceptive techniques so that...
Do you want to live a longer life? Excessive consumption of these nutrients should be avoided.
07 Sep' 21

Do you want to live a longer life? Excessive consumption of these nutrients should be avoided.

Avoid consuming these nutrients in excess Healthy eating entails selecting the appropriate nutrients as well as the appropriate ...
Lung damage is less common in children with COVID-19 infection - according to a study.
07 Sep' 21

Lung damage is less common in children with COVID-19 infection - according to a study.

Out of everything we know about COVID-19, it's apparent that it affects the respiratory system, which can lead to other dangerous ...
What does a post-vaccination antibody test tell you about the coronavirus? Is it a good idea to get one done?
07 Sep' 21

What does a post-vaccination antibody test tell you about the coronavirus? Is it a good idea to get one done?

While there has been an increase in COVID vaccinations, a number of studies and the rapid spread of coronavirus variations have ve...
A new treatment for advanced prostate cancer improves survival
07 Sep' 21

A new treatment for advanced prostate cancer improves survival

Radiation therapy is getting more precise, enabled by technologies that make it easier to kill tumors while sparing their surround...
Study finds how persistent lung disease develops long after the virus has been cleared
07 Aug' 21

Study finds how persistent lung disease develops long after the virus has been cleared

A new study has found why short-lived lung infections can cause long-lasting lung damage. The findings of the study were published...
Back to School in 2021 : Keeping Children Safe and Living Well
07 Aug' 21

Back to School in 2021 : Keeping Children Safe and Living Well

No matter where you live if you're a parent you are probably thinking about how COVID-19 will affect back-to-school. How will the ...