Sindh and Punjab have released another health warning as thousands of people continue to develop conjunctivitis throughout Pakistan.
The Nipah virus may spread, according to the health offices of the two provinces. The warnings have been issued in response to concerns that the virus has infected many people in India.
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Pakistan has not yet recorded any Nipah virus cases. People have been advised to exercise caution, according to a local authority statement.
Nipah virus: what is it?
The virus can pass from one human to another despite being recognized for doing so from animals, particularly bats or pigs, to humans. Additionally, fruits that have been tainted by bats might spread it. Health officials advise thoroughly washing fruits before consumption.
Symptoms
Fever, headache, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, convulsions, and coma are just a few of this deadly virus’s symptoms.
People who contract the virus occasionally don’t exhibit any symptoms. Other times, sick people may experience minor to severe respiratory issues. Although rare, it can sometimes result in deadly encephalitis.
Diagnosis
The early stages of the sickness are challenging to diagnose due to the non-specific initial signs and symptoms of Nipah virus infection. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are the two primary tests that health professionals typically use to diagnose Nipah virus infection.
Treatment
There are currently no medications or vaccinations designed specifically to treat Nipah virus infection. In the WHO Research and Development Blueprint, the virus has been listed by the World Health Organization as a priority disease. It is advised to offer intense supportive care as a component of the treatment.
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Past Outbreaks
In 1999, Nipah virus was identified during an outbreak affecting pig farmers in Malaysia. Fortunately, no new cases have been reported in Malaysia again.
Bangladesh is another country where the virus was identified in 2001, and there have been nearly yearly outbreaks there since.