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Ishita Roy

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: After Two West Bengal Cases, Tests On Bats Show No Active Infection

<strong><span rel="noindex">Nipah Virus Outbreak India</span>: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/nipah-virus-case-detected-in-two-nurses-from-west-bengal-article-153438212" data-type="tilCustomLink">Two cases</a> of <span>Nipah virus</span>, a rare, bat-borne pathogen had been confirmed in West Bengal. The virus has been detected in two nurses, both working at the private Narayana Multispecialty Hospital in Barasat. Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, said, "Two nurses at a private hospital are infected with Nipah virus, and one of them is in critical condition."

<h2>Was Nipah Virus Found In West Bengal?</h2>

A survey conducted on bats in West Bengal found no active Nipah virus infection. Though there were antibodies detected in one specimen, which indicated prior exposure. This was confirmed by a senior state forest department official on Tuesday. The survey was conducted amid the identification of two confirmed Nipah virus cases.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/meghan-trainor-opens-up-about-choosing-surrogacy-for-her-third-baby-article-153485807" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Meghan Trainor Opens Up About Choosing Surrogacy For Her Third Baby</a> 

To conduct the survey, nine bats near Kuberpur on the Kolkata-Barasat Road in Madhyamgram were tested using RT-PCR. All samples were negative, however, one bat, tested positive for antibodies. However, it only suggested prior infection, meaning there was no current risk of transmission. 

The survey was conducted by the state forest department in collaboration with scientists form Pune-based National Institute of Virology. "The findings are reassuring, but caution is warranted. Surveillance and prevent measures will continue until we are fully assured that there is no risk," confirmed a senior official of the West Bengal Health Department. 

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.

In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.

Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people.

During the first recognized outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues. Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal.

In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products (such as raw date palm juice) contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection.

Human-to-human transmission of Nipah virus has also been reported among family and care givers of infected patients.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/doctor-debunks-five-myths-around-nipah-virus-article-153470584" data-type="tilCustomLink">Doctor Debunks Five Myths Around Nipah Virus</a>

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Breathing difficulties</li><li>Cough and sore throat</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Muscle pain and severe weakness</li></ul>

While most of the symptoms of Nipah virus may resemble the symptoms from any common flu, however, what makes it unique is that the symptoms come in stages.

Dr Shaikh Abdul Kalam, MD Physician, an Andhra Pradesh-based GP writes for Apollo 24 that the symptoms come in three different phases.

<h3>Nipah Virus Phase 1: Flu Like Symptoms</h3>

Like mentioned above, most symptoms seem like common flu symptoms. Even Nipah virus begins like a common flu or viral infections. This is what makes the diagnosis difficult.

Most common sign is a fever and a headache. It is often a severe headache and does not break with simple pain medication. What follows is myalgia or muscle pain and sore throat.

The initial symptoms could last for 3 to 14 days before more severe symptoms appear. What helps best is to know the patient's travel history to make the right diagnosis.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/unique-symptoms-of-nipah-virus-found-in-west-bengal-and-how-long-infection-now-last-article-153440597" data-type="tilCustomLink">Unique Symptoms Of Nipah Virus Found In West Bengal And How Long Infection Now Last</a>

<h3>Nipah Virus Phase 2: Respiratory Symptoms</h3>

As the infection progresses, it begins to attack the respiratory system. This causes dry cough, and dyspnea, or acute difficulty with breathing. This means that the virus has started causing inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Atypical pneumonia is also a symptom, which means air sacs in the lungs get filled with fluid and leads to acute respiratory distress.

<h3>Nipah Virus Phase 3: Neurological Signs or Encephalitis</h3>

This is usually the most dangerous phase of Nipah virus, because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. A person may experience drowsiness, disorientation, and even mental confusion. Complications could lead to seizures and even coma.

All these symptoms could last from 3 to 14 days.

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Nipah Virus Outbreak India: Two cases of Nipah virus, a rare, bat-borne pathogen had been confirmed in West Bengal. The virus has been detected in two nurses, both working at the private Narayana Multispecialty Hospital in Barasat. Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, said, "Two nurses at a private hospital are infected with Nipah virus, and one of them is in critical condition."Was Nipah Virus Found In West Bengal?A survey conducted on bats in West Bengal found no active Nipah virus infection. Though there were antibodies detected in one specimen, which indicated prior exposure. This was confirmed by a senior state forest department official on Tuesday. The survey was conducted amid the identification of two confirmed Nipah virus cases.Also Read: Meghan Trainor Opens Up About Choosing Surrogacy For Her Third Baby To conduct the survey, nine bats near Kuberpur on the Kolkata-Barasat Road in Madhyamgram were tested using RT-PCR. All samples were negative, however, one bat, tested positive for antibodies. However, it only suggested prior infection, meaning there was no current risk of transmission. The survey was conducted by the state forest department in collaboration with scientists form Pune-based National Institute of Virology. "The findings are reassuring, but caution is warranted. Surveillance and prevent measures will continue until we are fully assured that there is no risk," confirmed a senior official of the West Bengal Health Department. What Is Nipah Virus?As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person to person.In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.Although Nipah virus has caused only a few known outbreaks in Asia, it infects a wide range of animals and causes severe disease and death in people.During the first recognized outbreak in Malaysia, which also affected Singapore, most human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues. Transmission is thought to have occurred via unprotected exposure to secretions from the pigs, or unprotected contact with the tissue of a sick animal.In subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruits or fruit products (such as raw date palm juice) contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats was the most likely source of infection.Human-to-human transmission of Nipah virus has also been reported among family and care givers of infected patients.Read: Doctor Debunks Five Myths Around Nipah VirusNipah Virus SymptomsFeverHeadacheBreathing difficultiesCough and sore throatDiarrheaVomitingMuscle pain and severe weaknessUnique Symptoms Of Nipah VirusWhile most of the symptoms of Nipah virus may resemble the symptoms from any common flu, however, what makes it unique is that the symptoms come in stages.Dr Shaikh Abdul Kalam, MD Physician, an Andhra Pradesh-based GP writes for Apollo 24 that the symptoms come in three different phases.Nipah Virus Phase 1: Flu Like SymptomsLike mentioned above, most symptoms seem like common flu symptoms. Even Nipah virus begins like a common flu or viral infections. This is what makes the diagnosis difficult.Most common sign is a fever and a headache. It is often a severe headache and does not break with simple pain medication. What follows is myalgia or muscle pain and sore throat.The initial symptoms could last for 3 to 14 days before more severe symptoms appear. What helps best is to know the patient's travel history to make the right diagnosis.Also Read: Unique Symptoms Of Nipah Virus Found In West Bengal And How Long Infection Now LastNipah Virus Phase 2: Respiratory SymptomsAs the infection progresses, it begins to attack the respiratory system. This causes dry cough, and dyspnea, or acute difficulty with breathing. This means that the virus has started causing inflammation in the respiratory tract.Atypical pneumonia is also a symptom, which means air sacs in the lungs get filled with fluid and leads to acute respiratory distress.Nipah Virus Phase 3: Neurological Signs or EncephalitisThis is usually the most dangerous phase of Nipah virus, because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. A person may experience drowsiness, disorientation, and even mental confusion. Complications could lead to seizures and even coma.All these symptoms could last from 3 to 14 days.

nipah virus outbreak in india: after two west bengal cases, tests on bats show no active infection

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