Nipah Virus: A 14-year-old boy from Kerala’s Malappuram died on Sunday after contracting a Nipah virus infection. The state health minister Veena George said that the boy suffered a massive cardiac arrest on Sunday and passed away even after making efforts to revive him. As Kerala reported a Nipah virus death, the Centre has put forth some health measures that should be taken by the state governments to reduce the spread of the infection. 

How Contagious Is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus is generally a virus that spreads between animals and humans, mainly through fruit bats, pigs and other animals like goats, horses, dogs or cats. This virus usually spreads when a person or animal has contact with the bodily fluids of an infected animal, when a person eats food contaminated by an infected animal and when a person is in close contact with the person carrying the infection. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the Nipah virus is contagious. It can spread through bodily fluids like saliva, poop, pee and blood. This means if you are caring for a person with nipah virus, you could get it when the person coughs or sneezes.

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Symptoms Of Nipah Virus

The initial symptoms of the nipah virus include fever, headache, breathing difficulties, cough and sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, muscle pain and severe weakness. Generally, the symptoms begin within four to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Fever or headache are the symptoms that develop first, and then respiratory problems like cough and difficulty breathing develop later.

In certain severe cases, symptoms include confusion and disorientation, slurring speech, seizures, coma and respiratory distress. Nipah virus can be hazardous for humans, therefore the best way to avoid this infection is to avoid exposure to sick animals. For this, you should avoid foods that an infected animal can contaminate like raw date palm sap or fruit.

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(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)