Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Quoc Dat, Deputy Head of the Department of Tropical Diseases and Harm Reduction Intervention at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, states that Nipah is a highly virulent virus. Although not common, it carries a very high mortality rate. In the current transitional weather conditions, which facilitate the circulation of many viruses, distinguishing Nipah from common respiratory illnesses is critical to protecting patients' lives.

According to the expert, Nipah's most dangerous mechanism lies in its ability to attack multiple organs after entering the body. This virus not only damages the respiratory tract but also crosses the blood-brain barrier to attack the central nervous system. Patients face a dual risk: respiratory failure due to severe pneumonia, and altered consciousness, seizures, and coma due to encephalitis. These two conditions progress rapidly and are life-threatening in a short time.

Illustration: AFP

The biggest challenge in clinical diagnosis lies in the incubation period, which ranges from one to two weeks, and the onset phase. Initial symptoms lack specificity, primarily involving muscle aches, cough, chest tightness, fever, and headache. This similarity to seasonal flu often leads many people to overlook warning signs. However, as the disease progresses, headaches become severe, accompanied by dizziness and rapid cognitive decline.

Regarding transmission routes, Doctor Dat explains that fruit bats serve as natural hosts. The virus spreads to humans through direct contact with infected bats or pigs, or by consuming food contaminated with secretions from infected animals.

For prevention, the doctor recommends that individuals strictly adhere to consuming cooked food and boiled water, and absolutely avoid any food showing signs of animal bites. Households should cover livestock areas and limit contact with wild animals. Wearing masks is mandatory when caring for patients or when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Individuals should seek medical attention immediately if severe signs appear, such as drowsiness, slow reactions, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, or chest pain. Cases of prolonged high fever, severe vomiting, continuous diarrhea, or gastrointestinal bleeding require emergency medical intervention. Furthermore, patients must truthfully declare their epidemiological history if they have traveled to an epidemic area or had contact with suspected infected animals, and they must never self-treat at home.

Thuy An