While there is no vaccine available for the infection,
preventive measures can be a key to control the spread. With fruits bats being
the primary cause of infection, the farm animals should be prevented from
eating fruit contaminated by bats. Consumption of contaminated date palm sap
including toddy should also be avoided. Physical barriers can be put in place
in order to prevent bats from accessing and contaminating palm sap.
Medical officials who are looking after the patients with
suspected or confirmed NiV should take basic precautions like washing hands,
using a gown, cap mask and wearing gloves. For laboratory personnel, Nipah
virus is classified internationally as a biosecurity level (BSL) 4 agent. BSL 2
facilities are sufficient if the virus can be first inactivated during specimen
collection.
In case of animals, wire screens can help prevent contact
with bats when pigs are raised in open-sided pig sheds. Run-off from the roof
should be prevented from entering pig pens. practice. Early recognition of infected
pigs can help protect other animals and humans. Due to the highly contagious
nature of the virus in swine populations, mass culling of seropositive animals
may be necessary.
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