16: Nipah Virus Myths

Nipah Virus Myths

After a gap of almost 3 years , Nipah virus has been reported again in Kozhikkode district. This is the third time , Nippah Virus has been reported in Kerala. Coincidentally, Nipah is identified now in Kozhikkode, the same place which successfully fought and arrested the spread of Nipah out break in 2018. At this time when Covid continues to spread , there is no need to have unnecessary anxiety or alarm about Nipah.

Rumors about Nipah outbreak, are spreading faster than the virus itself. Hence, I would like to clarify some misconceptions regarding the same.
1)One question that comes to everyone’s mind is – will Nipah spread like Covid?
Since we are already following the precautions to prevent Covid – like frequently sanitizing hands , wearing mask etc ;the probability of Nipah spreading widely is low. However, we shouldn’t trivialize the existence of this virus. Nipah virus in humans can cause a range of clinical presentations like Fever, headache, breathing difficulty, acute respiratory infection, seizures and behavioral changes etc .Patients who have these symptoms should get tested for Nipah. Especially people , near the place where Nipah cases have been reported , should exercise extreme caution and should definitely get tested incase of symptoms. Incase someone tested negative for covid, but the above stated symptoms persist, they should get tested for Nipah. Such patients should follow the same quarantine protocol as for Covid patients.



2)Another question that’s circulating is whether Nipah is an artificial virus made by humans in a lab?

Nipah virus , whose scientific name is Nipah Henipavirus is a bat-borne virus that can cause infection in humans and mainly in animals . This virus is most commonly transmitted from infected bats to from to other animals – however , it is a zoonotic virus – meaning , although rare, this virus can spread from animals to humans . Once a human gets infected , he / she can transmit the disease to other humans as well.

3)Another myth about Nipah is that, it is difficult to diagnose and death is certain in infected patients..

RTPCR (Real Time Polymerized Chain Reaction) test of blood, urine or fluids from throat, nose, brain (called cerebro spinal fluid) can help in early detection of Nipah virus.

Nipah’s case fatality rate is estimated to be 40% to 75%. This rate can vary based on clinical management and general health condition of the patient.

Treatment of any disease is done in 3 ways – Symptomatic treatment, Definitive treatments and Supportive treatment. While there is no cure or definitive treatment for Nipah virus, there are very effective means for symptomatic treatment and supportive care of this disease, if detected and treated early .



4) Another common misnomer is that chicken spreads Nipah virus

Chicken does not spread Nipah virus ; it is transmitted by fruit-bats. It is perfectly safe to consume well cooked chicken , eggs , milk and other meat products.



5)Another myth that causes a lot of concern is whether touching pets like dogs/ cats can cause Nipah infection.

Pets like dogs, cats , cows etc are susceptible to Nipah virus if they come in contact with infected animals. But, there is no scientific evidence that these pet animals can transmit Nipah virus to humans. However,just to be on the safer side, incase you happen to touch their body fluids or secretions, please be sure to wash your hands with soap and water.

6) A common question that arises at this time, is whether it is safe to consume fruits?

Fruits , containing vitamin c helps boost immunity and should be taken , especially by patients having fever. However, since it is fruit-bats that transmit the Nipah virus – please discard any bitten or half-eaten fruits and those which may have fallen down on ground. Be sure to thoroughly wash fruits before consuming.

7)What about well water? Is it safe to use? What if it contains bat fecal remains?

Govt. has cautioned people to be careful not to allow fecal remains of bats to fall in any freshwater sources including wells . Boiled water can be safely consumed. Wells can be chlorinated to cleanse the water to avoid any risk from using that water for bathing, washing face etc.



8) Is fever with headache , a classical sign of Nipah?

While fever and headache are classical signs of Nipa, not every fever and head ache is caused by Nipah virus. Patients suffering from fever, head ache, extreme fatigue, cough, vomiting , joint pain, seizures etc need to be extra cautious and get tested. Self-treatment should be avoided and medical help should be sought.



Remember one thing, just like Covid – one of the best weapons against Nipah virus is washing hands frequently with soap and water. Before having food, take 30-40 seconds to scrub and wash your hands thoroughly.

#DrDBetterLife #DrD #NipahVirus #NipahVirusKerala

Dr Danish Salim