What is Nipah virus and how is it similar to COVID-19?

Kerala is battling two different viral infections at present. There is a surge in the number of coronavirus cases and the current outbreak of Nipah virus. Though these viruses might appear similar in nature, they are quite different from each other in various ways.

A 12-year-old boy in Kerala died from Nipah virus on Sunday. 11 people who came in contact with Kerala's Nipah victims have shown symptoms of the disease, confirmed the Health Minister, Veena George.

Here is everything about Nipah virus, what it is, how it can spread, how deadly it is and more.

Nipah virus was first spotted in Malaysia in the year 1990. In India, it was first detected in Siliguri, West Bengal in the year 2001, when 45 people died of it. Kerala reported the cases of the Nipah virus in 2018. The alarming news is that the fatality rate of the virus is 40-80 per cent and the incubation period is two weeks.

Nipah virus can be described as a zoonotic virus, which is transmitted via animals to humans and can also be transmitted via contaminated food or directly between people. It is caused by fruit bats. People who get infected by the virus can encounter severe problems like acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.

It's not an airborne infection and is transmitted from bats and pigs. The infection is fatal not just for humans but animals too.

People infected with the Nipah virus can show similar symptoms to the COVID-19 infection. Cough, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, tiredness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can cause headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures and sensitivity to light are some common symptoms. A person might also become unconscious and it can ultimately lead to death.

There is no defined treatment for the virus. If one spots the symptoms, one has to consult the doctor immediately who will confirm the diagnosis with the help of RT-PCR, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and blood test. Later, after recovery, testing for antibodies is conducted. Medicines are advised by the doctor for taking care of encephalitis and other symptoms. It is advised not to self-medicate as that can increase the risk and worsen the condition.

Do not eat fruits that have fallen on the ground and avoid coming in contact with infected animals and humans. There is yet no vaccine available to combat the virus. Keep fruit bats away and avoid touching or coming near stray animals.