The Ministry of Health and Population has issued a warning for the public to remain alert from the possible risk of Nipah Virus (NIV) infection after it's outbreak was detected in Kerala,a state of India. 

What is Nipah Virus?

As defined by the World Health Organisation, Nipah Virus is a zoonotic illness which is transmitted from animals to humans for example from an infected animal, contaminated food meaning the meat of the infected animal.

Government Concern

Nipah Virus caused illness has been enlisted in one of the 10 deadly diseases worldwide by the World Health Organisation in which the fatality rate has been recorded in the margin of 45 - 75 percentage respectively. 

The Ministry Spokesperson Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel on September 13 at a press conference said the risk of the virus outbreak and spread in Nepal could not be ruled out as Nepal and India share the open border. Although the virus has not been detected in the country, the risk remains large, as per Dr Poudel .

Cause and Mode of Transmission

According to the World Health Organisation, 'A fruit bat is the natural host of the virus and transmitted to pigs, cattle and then to humans. In other words, the infection of the deadly NIV, is firstly transmitted from animals to humans and then from humans to humans. 

Possible Symptoms 

The symptoms of NIV can be listed down as follows:

• Fever
• Dizziness 
• Muscle pain 
• Headache 
• Breathing difficulties 
• Nausea

Incase of the abovementioned symptoms, the government has appealed the ones to seek medical intervention. 

Preventive Measures 

As confirmed by the World Health Organisation, not a single vaccine or treatment procedure has been detected thus far for anyone infected with this virus thereby making it important for everyone to maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene.The foremost thing to remember is to seek supportive  care when infected with it.For instance, some of them are:

• Eating only well-cooked vegetables or thoroughly washed fruits.
• Keeping cowshed or any living place of animals clean.
• Using gloves and masks at a time of animal slaughtering or while cooking the meat.
• Practising regular hand-washing. 
• Wearing face masks at public places.

Complied from Rastriya Samachar Samiti.