Nipah virus is a deadly virus. Apart from bats, this virus can also spread through other animals like pigs, goats, horses, dogs or cats.
Nipah virus symptom
Symptoms typically begin within four to 14 days after exposure to the virus. It's common to have a fever or headache first and develop respiratory problems
It can spread through bodily fluids like saliva, poop, pee and blood. This means if you're caring for a person with nipah virus, you could get it when the person coughs or sneezes.
Required for the test
A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to confirm nipah virus. This test uses the following bodily fluids to diagnose the condition.
Nipah virus treatment
Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition is crucial, as patients may suffer from dehydration and weakness.
Severe cases may require mechanical ventilation to support breathing, especially if the patient develops acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Nipah virus treatment
Close monitoring for signs of encephalitis is essential. Corticosteroids may be used to reduce brain swelling, though their effectiveness is not well established.
Nipah virus treatment
Some antiviral drugs, like ribavirin, have been tested with limited success. Experimental treatments and research into more effective antivirals are ongoing.