While the country is dealing with dengue and conjunctivitis outbreaks, the provincial health authorities in Sindh, the country’s southeastern region, have issued a ‘high alert’ for the Nipah virus, which can kill up to 74% of patients.
The Sindh health department issued an alert advising medical professionals and citizens to take precautions. In light of the virus’s recent outbreak in India, the Sindh Health Department advises all employees to be cautious.
Despite the fact that no Nipah virus cases have been reported, Sindh’s director of health is concerned that the infection rate will rise.
The health department directed that data be uploaded to dashboards, patients be quarantined, and samples be sent to laboratories for analysis on time.
It stated that the zoonotic virus spread through bat-infected fruits, so it advised people to wash fruits before eating them.
How to stay safe from it
Here are some steps to help you stay safe from Nipah virus
Avoid Contact with Infected Animals
Animals that are sick or dead should not be handled or consumed. Avoid contact with bats, which have been identified as natural hosts of this virus.
Take care of Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching animals or visiting places where the virus could be present. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid Consuming Raw Date Palm Sap
Nipah has been linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated with bat saliva or urine. Before consuming palm sap, ensure that it has been properly boiled and treated.
Use Personal Protective Equipment
If you work in healthcare or come into contact with Nipah virus patients, wear appropriate PPE such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles to avoid contact with bodily fluids.
Quarantine
If someone in your household has Nipah virus or is suspected of having it, follow the isolation and quarantine protocols recommended by health officials to prevent further spread.
Promote Respiratory Hygiene
When coughing or sneezing, encourage the use of tissues or the elbow to cover the mouth and nose. Properly dispose of used tissues.
Seek Medical Attention if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness, or respiratory problems and have been in an area where Nipah virus cases are known, seek medical attention right away.
Follow Travel Advisories
If there is a Nipah virus outbreak in a specific region, follow travel advisories and consider postponing non-essential travel to affected areas.
