dr. Gita Risti: The Nipah virus has flu-like symptoms, but they can be deadly

Pontianak, Thekabarnews.com—Pontianak General Hospital (RSUD SSMA) Sultan Syarif Mohamad Alkadrie in Pontianak has started a public awareness campaign. The goal is to help people get ready for the possible threat of the Nipah virus.

Hospital officials say that early education is still crucial as a way to stop the spread of Nipah virus. This is true even though there have been no cases in Pontianak or anywhere else in Indonesia.

A general practitioner at RSUD SSMA, dr. Gita Risti Novianti, said that fruit bats naturally carry the virus. People can contract the disease directly from infected animals. Also, it is possible to catch the virus indirectly through contaminated fruits. She said that bats can make some fruits, like palm sap and aren (sugar palm fruit), dirty if they come into contact with them.

“Fruit bats can directly spread the virus to people or make fruits that people eat later,” dr. Gita Risti said during a public education session, Tuesday, February 3.

She says that the first signs of Nipah virus infection are often similar to those of the flu. This makes it challenging to find them early. At first, patients may have a fever, muscle pain, a cough, and a runny nose. In more serious cases, the infection can cause seizures and brain inflammation. These can be deadly if not treated right away.

dr. Gita Risti said that there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment that can eliminate the virus. Because of this, the best way to protect yourself is still to stay away from danger.

RSUD SSMA advises residents to wash their food, keep excellent hygiene, and avoid bat-bitten fruit. According to officials, taking precautions significantly reduces the risk of transmission.

RSUD SSMA wants to teach residents about the risks and how to respond if they get sick. Meanwhile, health officials continue to monitor global Nipah virus outbreaks and are prepared to respond locally.