Nipah in Kozhikode? Symptoms, preventive measures, treatment and more

It's that time of the year when the zoonotic virus, Nipah, is likely to spread in Kerala. A 14-year-old boy, with symptoms of the disease, has been admitted in Kozhikode, though the hasn't been confirmed yet as a Nipah virus infection. Regardless, the period of May to September calls for preventive measures and alertness on the part of officials and the common man, due to the possibility of Nipah outbreaks. The infection was reported in Kerala in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 and as compared to the 2018 outbreak, the symptoms were different in patients in 2023. Here are the symptoms to look out for: 

Symptoms of Nipah
According to Dr Anoop A S, a critical care specialist who spoke to Onmanorama in connection with last year's outbreak, the symptoms can be:
1. Fever with altered sensorium
2. Seizures 
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Brain inflammation
5. Inability to think
6. Involuntary shaking of limbs
7. Respiratory difficulties progressing into bronchopneumonia aka constricted airways
8. Hypoxia (Insufficient oxygen)

Nipah virus transmission
Nipah virus transmission to humans occurs after direct contact with infected bats, pigs, or other Nipah-infected people. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.

Nipah virus incubation period
According to a press release issued by the Health Department during the earlier outbreak, the incubation period of a Nipah-infected person is 21 days. To ensure the community is completely free from the Nipah outbreak, twice the incubation period (42 days) is considered. That is 42 days since the test result of the last infected person turned positive.

Preventive measures against Nipah virus
According to the World Health Organisation, these are the preventive measures against the disease:
1) Animal premises should be quarantined immediately
2) Culling of infected animals, with close supervision of burial or incineration of carcasses
3) Wear protective covering and gloves if you come in contact with animals, if an outbreak is suspected
4) Wash hands regularly
5) Avoid areas where bats are known to roost.
6) Patients suspected of Nipah infection should be isolated in well-ventilated single rooms. They should be given dedicated toilets and equipment. 

Treatment for Nipah
As there is no vaccine or licensed treatment, the only way to reduce or prevent infection is by taking supportive care measures. "Intensive supportive care is recommended to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications," according to WHO.