The Maharashtra public health department has decided to take preventive measures against Nipah virus cases which claimed 17 deaths in Kerala. In a meeting conducted with National Institute of Virology, Pune, officials to review surveillance strategies to detect Nipah virus cases in the state.
Dr. Pradeep Awate, state surveillance officer, told Hindustan Times,
Public health officials at primary health centres are being trained to identify symptoms and transmission of the virus. We are teaching them about the virus, how it transmits and how to identify its symptoms.”
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is an emerging zoonosis — a disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals. Its natural host is fruit bats.
Dr. Sanjeev Kamble, director, Directorate of Health Services, told Hindustan Times,
We are strengthening the surveillance to detect [Nipah] cases.”
As per WHO, the fatality rate for Nipah virus has been estimated between 40 per cent and 75 per cent, but can vary depending on local capabilities for epidemiological surveillance and clinical management.
At present, there is no specific treatment available to counter the virus. However, according to WHO, the infection can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and non-consumption of fruits partially eaten by infected bats or drinking raw date palm sap, toddy, juice.
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