Nipah and Hantavirus are a couple of emerging viruses that have suddenly appeared in the human population out of the blue. Besides, these microorganisms have essentially developed and afflicted mankind because of environmental changes. These include phenomena such as deforestation or even virus transmission from one species of animal to humans. Hence the time is right to delve into the origins of the viruses, Nipah virus symptoms, Hantavirus symptoms, and Disease prevention strategies.
Here is then presenting this article explaining the origins, symptoms, and other basic facts about the Nipah virus and Hantavirus.
1. Nipah Virus:
Origin Story:
‘Zoonotic’ is a term that best defines the Nipah virus. Which means it originates in animals and can be transmitted to humans. Meanwhile, Fruit bats are the reservoir of the Nipah virus. However, intermediate hosts like pigs are often involved in the transmission to humans. As for the Viral disease origins triggered by the Nipah Virus.
It was in 1999 in Malaysia that this virus was discovered. The discovery occurred during an outbreak among pig farmers and subsequently spread to humans. Since then, the Nipah Virus has been responsible for sporadic outbreaks in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India.
Nipah virus symptoms:
Like most viruses, a Nipah Virus infection can cause a wide range of Nipah virus symptoms. These include fever, headache, and muscle pain. In case of a severe infection can progress to encephalitis. With the Nipah virus symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, seizures, and coma. With regards to Infection control, the fatality rate of this virus varies. Some outbreaks even report mortality rates above 70%. Which is very high.
Nipah virus Disease prevention:
Usually, you need to take some of the precautions given below to accomplish Nipah virus Disease prevention. They are as follows:
- Avoid consuming raw palm sap. Since it can be contaminated by infected bats
- Also, you need to avoid close contact with infected animals. Particularly sick pigs and bats
- You should practice good personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing, etc
- Besides, your healthcare workers should take strict infection control measures to prevent human-to-human transmission.
- Although there is no specific antiviral treatment which is available. There are however in terms of Infection control supportive care that can help improve the chances of recovery.
2. Hantavirus:
Origins:
There is a group of viruses that have association with rodents, particularly deer mice in North America. Also, you need to know that the Viral disease origins of this virus are not known. This means that Human infection occurs when individuals come into contact with aerosolized particles. Which contains virus particles from rodent urine, faeces, or saliva.
Hantavirus symptoms:
Similar to most viruses, Hantavirus symptoms range from mild to severe. Typically they begin flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In many cases, one of the Hantavirus symptoms that you are likely to experience is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Which can very rapidly lead to respiratory distress and can be fatal, with a case fatality rate of around 36%.
Hantavirus Disease Prevention:
In terms of the Hantavirus Disease prevention strategy, there are a few preventive measures that you need to take. They are as follows:
- Ensure that you keep homes and workspaces clean and well-ventilated
- Also, you need to clean areas where rodents are present. Besides, taking precautions like wearing gloves and masks
- Do not do activities that may produce aerosol particles from rodent-infested areas, such as sweeping or vacuuming.
- Finally, you need to educate individuals in regions about the importance of Hantavirus Disease prevention strategies
