Q. With reference to Nipah virus, consider the following statements:
1. It is a zoonotic virus.
2. The only available vaccine is the antiviral drug Ribavirin.
Which of the above statements is/are Not correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
About Nipah Virus:
- Nipah Virus(NiV) is a zoonotic virus. The first outbreaks of the Nipah virus among humans was reported from Malaysia (1998) and Singapore (1999).
- Host Reservoir of Nipah Virus:The animal host reservoir for this virus is known to be the fruit bat, commonly known as flying fox. Fruit bats are known to transmit this virus to other animals like pigs, and also dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.
How does it spread?
- It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it has been transmitted from animals to human beings.
- The transmission happens mainly through direct contact with these animals or through the consumption of food contaminated by the saliva or urine of these infected animals.
- Person-to-person transmission is not fully established yet.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus infection: Fever, respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat, aches, fatigue and encephalitis. The death rate for Nipah virus is 70%.
Treatment for Nipah Virus infection: There is no vaccine against Nipah virus. The only available treatment is supportive cough care. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, was used to treat encephalitis in 2018.
Source: EPIC September 2021
