Faith Hospital Dimapur conducted a seminar on “Nipah virus and hospital preparedness” on May 26 at its seminar hall.
Speaking on ‘Treatment and management’, Consultant MD (Internal Medicine) Faith Hospital Dr. Akumnaro Jamir said the virus’ synonyms are barking pig syndrome, porcine respiratory, neurologic syndrome, and encephalitis syndrome. The incubation period is 4-18 days.
As per case definitions of suspected cases of Nipah, Dr. Jamir said high grade fever with acute onset of mental stress, seizure, headache or acute cough with shortness of breath develops.
Dr. Jamir maintained that the drug ribavirin had shown effectiveness in combating the virus. “There is no specific treatment beyond supportive care because Nipah virus encephalitis can be transmitted from person to person. Under trials the antiviral drug ribavirin has shown to be effective against the viruses in vitro but human investigations to date have been inconclusive and the clinical usefulness of ribavirin remains uncertain”, she maintained.
The recommended action is to immediately notify authorities i.e Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) or State Veterinarian.
Nipah virus infections can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in epidemic areas and by avoiding drinking raw date palm sap.