Issuing public advisory, Bihar govt warns people on Nipah virus outbreak

Patna, May 26: Amid the increasing concern of Nipah virus spreading its dreadful threat across the country, Bihar government has issued an advisory to medical colleges, civil surgeons and district magistrates (DM) across the state.

 

Warning the people on being in direct or indirect contact with bats and pigs, the state government has intended to take necessary steps to curb the disease in the state. A warning has been issued against eating fruits fallen off from trees. The public has also been recommended against consuming bananas and dates.

 

The Sikkim health department has issued an advisory urging the people of the state to take precaution against Nipah virus. "Though there is the minimal possibility of Nipah virus in Sikkim, the people need to take precaution," it said in an advisory yesterday in the wake of Nipah outbreak in Kerala.

 

The symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, vomiting, and fainting. Some may show symptoms of epilepsy. Symptoms may last 10-12 days followed by unconsciousness and death as a result of brain fever, the advisory said. It is advised to the people that they should not eat fruits and vegetables bitten by birds, bats and animals, wash their hands properly after contacting infected person and monitor fever cases with the history of travel to the affected areas that is Kerala.