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| Image created by Dr. Michael J. Miller |
Following news of the Nipah virus outbreak in India, the Department of Medical Sciences is ready to monitor for the Nipah virus using the Real-time RT-PCR method, a standard international method with high sensitivity and specificity. This allows for rapid reporting of results to support timely disease surveillance and control, ensuring public health safety in the country.
Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, revealed that Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans ) caused by contact with animal feces or bodily fluids of disease vectors, namely fruit bats, especially the fruit bat, as well as animals infected by bats, such as pigs, horses, cats, goats, and sheep. It can also be transmitted from person to person through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or saliva. The disease first spread among pig farmers in the village of Nipah, Malaysia, in 1998, which is the origin of the virus’s name. Currently, there are reports of infections in India, while no cases have been reported in Thailand.
The Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences further stated that the Department of Medical Sciences, through the Public Health Science Research Institute , which serves as the country's reference laboratory for disease diagnosis, is ready to diagnose Nipah virus using the Real-time RT-PCR method. This method has high sensitivity and specificity and can test various types of samples, such as blood, nasal and throat secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. At least two types of samples will be collected, and results can be reported within 8 hours of sample receipt.
Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for Nipah virus infection; treatment is symptomatic. Therefore, the public is advised to protect themselves by avoiding contact with reservoir animals and carriers, washing fruits thoroughly before consumption, and washing hands with soap after touching animals, meat, or animal carcasses, especially bats, pigs, horses, cats, goats, and sheep.
"Hospitals can send samples from suspected Nipah virus patients with high fever and a history of contact with animals or consumption of suspected fruits, or those returning from affected areas, for testing and inquiries at the Department of Medical Sciences Service Center, and the Laboratory Analysis and Surveillance Coordination Center, Public Health Science Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences.