Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Nipah Virus Outbreak in India: 100 People Quarantined, Doctor Issues Food Warnings

After two cases of <span>Nipah virus</span>, a rare, bat-borne pathogen was confirmed in West Bengal, five more cases were reported, with nearly 100 people placed under quarantine. 

The two previously confirmed cases were of two nurses, the rest cases are of a doctor, a health staff member, with some patients in critical condition. 

Speaking to TOI, Dr Aishwarya R, Consultant, Infectious Diseases at Aster RV Hospital said, “Nipah virus is a highly dangerous zoonotic infection with a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to over 70% in past outbreaks.” The doctor has also advised people against eating certain food, including fruits fallen from trees, unpasteurized date palm sap and any other fruits without washing. The doctor explained that this infection can spread with infected animal who could bite fruits and spread the virus through their saliva. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Nipah</span> Virus Tested In West Bengal Bats</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.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/nipah-virus-outbreak-in-india-after-two-west-bengal-cases-tests-on-bats-show-no-active-infection-article-153486477" data-type="tilCustomLink">After Two Nipah Cases In West Bengal, Tests On Bats Show No Active Infection</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>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

nipah virus

nipah outbreak india

nipah virus outbreak india

health news

nipah virus fruits to avoid

nipah virus foods to avoid

nipah

health news india

health news uk

nipah virus news

Heart Diseases Drop In US, But Still Is The Leading Cause Of Death

Nipah Virus Outbreak In India: How Is The Virus Being Contained?

Nutrition

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

After two cases of Nipah virus, a rare, bat-borne pathogen was confirmed in West Bengal, five more cases were reported, with nearly 100 people placed under quarantine. The two previously confirmed cases were of two nurses, the rest cases are of a doctor, a health staff member, with some patients in critical condition. Speaking to TOI, Dr Aishwarya R, Consultant, Infectious Diseases at Aster RV Hospital said, “Nipah virus is a highly dangerous zoonotic infection with a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to over 70% in past outbreaks.” The doctor has also advised people against eating certain food, including fruits fallen from trees, unpasteurized date palm sap and any other fruits without washing. The doctor explained that this infection can spread with infected animal who could bite fruits and spread the virus through their saliva. Nipah Virus Tested In West Bengal BatsA 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.Read: After Two Nipah Cases In West Bengal, Tests On Bats Show No Active InfectionTo 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 weakness