With reference to the Nipah virus, consider the following statements:1...
After a gap of over three years, a case of the zoonotic Nipah virus infection was reported in Kozhikode district of Kerala, with the death of a 12-year-old boy from Pazhoor, near Chathamangalam, at a private hospital.
- The virus is transmitted to people from animals and can also be passed on through contaminated food or directly from person-to-person.
- Fruit bats are considered to be a natural reservoir of the virus.
- In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The virus can also cause severe disease in animals such as pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.
- There are currently no drugs or vaccines specific for Nipah virus infection although WHO has identified Nipah as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development Blueprint.
- Hence both statements are correct.
View all questions of this test
With reference to the Nipah virus, consider the following statements:1...
The correct answer is option 'C' - Both 1 and 2.
Explanation:
1. Transmission of Nipah Virus: The first statement is correct. The Nipah virus is transmitted to people from animals, particularly fruit bats, which are the natural reservoir hosts. Humans can become infected through direct contact with infected bats or their excreta, such as saliva, urine, or feces. It can also be transmitted through close contact with infected pigs or consumption of fruits contaminated by bat saliva or urine. Additionally, person-to-person transmission can occur through close contact with respiratory secretions or saliva of infected individuals.
2. Lack of Specific Drugs or Vaccines: The second statement is correct. Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines specifically approved for the treatment or prevention of Nipah virus infection. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment, which includes ensuring respiratory and circulatory support, adequate hydration, and management of complications. Experimental antiviral drugs have shown some promise in animal models but have not been extensively studied in humans. Research and development efforts are ongoing to develop effective drugs and vaccines against Nipah virus.
Nipah Virus Background:
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1998. It is named after the village in Malaysia where the outbreak occurred. Since then, several outbreaks of Nipah virus infection have been reported in South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh and India. The virus causes a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis. The case fatality rate of Nipah virus infection can vary widely, ranging from 40% to 100% in different outbreaks.
Prevention and Control:
To prevent the transmission of Nipah virus, it is important to avoid direct contact with bats, especially in areas where Nipah virus has been identified. It is also advised to avoid consuming fruits that may have been contaminated by bat saliva or urine. In healthcare settings, infection prevention and control measures should be implemented to prevent person-to-person transmission. These include standard precautions (such as hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment) and specific precautions for droplet and contact transmission. Surveillance and early detection of cases are also crucial for effective control of Nipah virus outbreaks.
In conclusion, the Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, as well as through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. Currently, there are no specific drugs or vaccines available for the treatment or prevention of Nipah virus infection. Therefore, prevention, early detection, and supportive care remain the key strategies in managing Nipah virus outbreaks.
With reference to the Nipah virus, consider the following statements:1...
C