BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Following the outbreak of the Nipah virus in India, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has issued preventive measures and ways to reduce the spread of Nipah virus if circulated in communities.

Although chances of the Nipah virus to reach the country remains low, MHMS issued a press statement detailing preventive measures.

They include;

–           Avoid bat-to-human transmission

–           Cover date palm sap collection sites with bamboo skirts or other protective coverings.

–           Wash and peel fruits: Clean fruits thoroughly and peel them before eating.

–           Ensure that any fruit that looks like it’s been bitten by bats it is properly disposed, away from other humans and animals.

–           Prevent animal-to-human transmission

–           Use gloves and protective clothing when handling sick animals or during farm work.

–           Limit contact with pigs that may be infected.

–           When setting up pig farms in areas where fruit bats live, keep pig feed and sheds covered to prevent bat contamination.

–           Don’t touch or stay too close to people infected with Nipah virus without protection.

–           Practice regular handwashing, especially after caring for or visiting sick individuals.

–           Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed infection, or handling specimens from them, should always implement standard infection control precautions.

–           As human-to-human transmission has been reported in health-care settings, contact and droplet precautions should be used in addition to standard precautions. Airborne precautions may be required in certain circumstances.

–           Samples from people and animals suspected of having Nipah virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories.

Symptoms of the Nipah virus includes fever, headache, difficulty breathing or coughing, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

MHMS’s press statement was released since there is an increase of global attention towards the Nipah virus outbreak in India. Reports show that only two health workers infected while others who came into contact with them tested negative.

The Ministry of Health is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen surveillance, laboratory readiness and rapid response systems through the Public Health Emergency and Surveillance Unit (PHESU).

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