Nipah virus infection

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.

NiV was first identified during an outbreak of disease that took place in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia in 1998. On this occasion, pigs were the intermediate hosts. However, in subsequent NiV outbreaks, there were no intermediate hosts. In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, including in a hospital setting in India.

Experts say that Nipah Virus is an airborne transmission infection and can affect those who come in direct contact with contaminated bodies.

Signs and symptoms:

Nipah Virus is usually associated with inflammation of the brain due to which severe days of fever can often lead to a state of confusion, disorientation and even persistent drowsiness. If not taken care of, these symptoms can even cause a coma in a span of 24-48 hours. There are many patients who show neurological, respiratory and pulmonary signs as well. Therefore, do not ignore any such signs. Some common signs and symptoms of NiV are

Watching out for respiratory illness during the early stages is also a must.These symptoms can last up to 7-10 days.

5 points to remember about NIPAH virus

1.Fatality of NIPAH

The fatality has been reported at anywhere between 75 per cent and 100 per cent.

2. Major symptoms

Nipah virus affects the brain. An infected person will have fever, weakness and lethargy.

3.Animal origin

Nipah virus infection is an example of a zoonotic disease, where animal diseases can be transmitted to people. In a zoonotic disease, the chances of a human being getting the disease will be lesser if the animal is given adequate antibiotics.

4.human to human transmission

There have been cases of human-to-human transmission too. However, it is still being studied whether the transmission happened because everyone was exposed to the same infected person or if the same source passed on the infection to another person.

5.no treatment available

The Nipah virus has a tendency to adapt or mutate, like the H1N1 virus. If you get a swine flu or influenza vaccination this year, the effect of the vaccination may not be last through to the next year because the virus would have mutated by then. And that is why such viruses are very deadly. Some of the deadliest diseases in the world are viral-borne diseases.

No vaccine available :

As of now, there is no particular vaccine available purely for the treatment of Nipah Virus. The only way to treat this virus is through intensive supportive care.

Unlike bacterial infections, viruses can’t be destroyed by antibiotics. The best thing you can do is to assist your body in defending itself against them. From herbs and spices to teas and oils, there are many Ayurvedic solutions that can help you both prevent and eliminate viral infections.

Ayurveda for protection:

ayurveda does recognize the presence of germs, infections and the contagious nature of certain diseases. But the Ayurvedic approach relies more on making the body resilient to getting infections and treating the body as a whole when someone falls prey to an infection. Many herbal supplements, though mentioned for infectious illnesses and having been researched for their antibacterial and antiviral activity.

Well, we do not advise you to replace conventional treatment blindly without  your doctor’s advice. Ayurveda may help your body in conjunction with other measures mentioned below and in addition to the conventional treatment prescribed by your doctor, to recover faster, by bringing the three bio-energies called doshas (namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) into hormony. You should always inform your doctor (especially if you are pregnant) if you wish to follow any of the suggestions given here and do so with his or her permission. Ayurveda suggests you take the following important measures during a viral illness like the flu, while keeping the Ayurvedic way of life in mind.

5 Important factors to fight  against NIPAH

1. Build your immunity
2. Build your resilance to infection
3. Avoid exposure to prevent infection
4. Cleanse the bowels
5. Take helpful Ayurveda herbs

Ayurveda has been around for thousands of years, and is considered as one of the best ways to treat diseases and lead a healthy lifestyle in India. Owing to the significance in maintaining good health, we started using the principles and concepts of Ayurveda in our modern world too. the fight against NIPAH will get boost with help of ayurveda.  Stay connected for the next blog to know more about role of Ayurveda in fight against NIPAH