Nipah Virus: Essential safety tips to protect yourself | Fusion - WeRIndia

Nipah virus is dangerous because it can escalate from mild symptoms to life-threatening illness in just a few days.

While treatment options are limited, prevention and awareness can keep you safe.

Here’s a practical guide to minimise risk.

Personal Hygiene

• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk areas if advised.

Food & Drink Safety

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Do not eat fruits that appear partially eaten or damaged.
• Avoid raw date palm sap or unprocessed products that could be contaminated.
• Keep food covered and avoid eating from open stalls in high-risk areas.

Animal & Environmental Precautions

• Avoid contact with bats, pigs, or other potentially infected animals.
• Do not touch animal blood, saliva, urine, or faeces.
• Stay away from areas where bats roost or feed.
• Ensure livestock areas are clean, dry, and well-ventilated.

Caregiving Safety

• Wear gloves and masks when caring for someone infected.
• Avoid direct contact with the patient’s body fluids.
• Do not share utensils, towels, bedding, or personal items.
• Keep rooms ventilated and maintain physical distance when possible.

Early Detection & Medical Action

• Monitor for fever, cough, headache, or unusual fatigue.
• Seek immediate medical care if symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult.
• Inform healthcare providers about recent travel or potential exposure.
• Avoid self-medicating; follow professional advice strictly.

Awareness & Preparedness

• Stay updated on outbreaks or health alerts in your area.
• Follow government advisories on travel and quarantine.
• Maintain active health insurance and know your nearest medical facility.
• Keep emergency contacts and essential medical information ready.

Financial & Health Preparedness

• Keep health insurance active and adequate
• Know the nearest healthcare facility
• Maintain emergency contacts and medical records

Nipah virus spreads silently but can be deadly.

By maintaining hygiene, being careful with food and animals, and seeking early medical attention, you can protect yourself and your family effectively.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on September 24, 2018

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1489281