Nipah virus is a type of dangerous virus. Nipah virus transmission can occur through the intermediary of wild animals to humans. Although it has not been detected in Indonesia, you still need to be vigilant because this virus is suspected to have the potential to become a pandemic.
Not after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, the community was again faced with the emergence of another virus that was thought to have the potential to become a new pandemic, namely the Nipah virus (NiV).
Nipah virus is a type of virus that can attack animals and humans. This virus itself has actually been epidemic in several countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and India.
The existence of the Nipah virus has not been detected in Indonesia until now. However, several cases of infection with the virus have been confirmed in countries close to Indonesia.
Therefore, the public is expected to be more aware of this virus, which is thought to be easily contagious.
The Origins of the Nipah Virus
Nipah virus was first identified in a pig farm in Malaysia in 1999. At that time, several types of animals showed symptoms of fever, difficulty breathing, and convulsions.
According to WHO, the virus originated from fruit bats which was transmitted to pigs during large-scale deforestation, causing bat populations to move closer to livestock areas.
Pigs that have been infected can transmit the Nipah virus to farmers and breeders can transmit it to other humans. This easy transmission process is what makes the Nipah virus suspected of having the potential to become a pandemic.
Get to know how the Nipah Virus is transmitted
Nipah virus is a type of RNA virus that belongs to the class Paramyxovirus. This group of viruses can also cause other diseases, such as pneumonia, mumps, and measles.
Nipah virus is known to originate from wild animals, such as fruit-eating bats (Pteropus sp.), and farm animals, such as sheep, goats, and pigs, which are infected with the virus.
Nipah virus transmission can occur when humans come into direct contact with bodily fluids of infected animals, such as saliva, blood, and urine.
In addition, several studies have also shown that a person can experience symptoms of this viral infection when he eats meat from animals infected with the nipah virus, especially those that are undercooked.
Not only from animals to humans, the Nipah virus is also known to be transmitted between humans. A person can be infected with nipah virus if he has been in contact with a patient infected with the virus.
Signs and Symptoms of Nipah Virus Infection
Nipah virus has an incubation period of about 4–14 days. This means, a person can experience symptoms of Nipah virus infection after the virus enters his body within that period.
Nipah virus infection can cause mild symptoms similar to flu symptoms, but can also cause severe symptoms that can lead to death. When infected with the Nipah virus, a person may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle ache
- Hard to breathe
- Throw up
Meanwhile, in severe cases, Nipah virus infection can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
People who suffer from encephalitis due to nipah virus infection can experience symptoms such as easy drowsiness, difficulty focusing and concentrating, and disorientation or not being able to recognize time, place, and other people, including those closest to them.
For brain inflammation that is quite severe, this condition can even cause sufferers to experience seizures, brain swelling, and coma.
There is no drug that can cure Nipah virus infection, nor is there a vaccine to prevent this disease. However, some people who are infected with this virus can recover on their own.
In severe cases, such as encephalitis, people infected with the Nipah virus can experience dangerous complications, such as frequent seizures, personality changes, or even death.
Preventing the Transmission of Nipah Virus Infection
Preventing is always better than curing. Therefore, to prevent the transmission of the Nipah virus, it is recommended that you follow the following steps:
- Avoid contact with bats or farm animals that are at risk of contracting the Nipah virus. If necessary, you can put a net around the house to prevent bats from entering the house.
- Wash vegetables and fruit before consumption and avoid consuming fruit or vegetables that are dirty and appear to have been bitten by animals.
- Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, boots, and a face shield, when cleaning animal feces or urine.
- Always wash your hands before and after interacting with animals or people who are sick, especially those with symptoms of Nipah virus infection.
- Avoid consuming bat meat or undercooked livestock meat.
Although there have been no reports of cases of Nipah virus infection in Indonesia, you still need to be vigilant because this virus is easily transmitted from infected animals or people, so it is considered to have the potential to become a pandemic.
If you have been in contact with animals or people suspected of being infected with the Nipah virus and experience symptoms of fever, cough, muscle aches, headaches, and weakness, don't hesitate to immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.