THE WINGED VIRUS
Tiny organism difficult for the naked eye to see ,is creating havoc in the Kozhikode district of Kerala ,this tiny organism is Nipah virus ,detected to spread from bats particularly fruit bats.The virus was earlier detected in the year 1999 among the pig farmers who suferred from brain fever due to it in Malaysia and Singapore..According to the recent reports from hospital, death toll has reached 12 ,and 25 people are suspected of the disease .
Virus being the causative organism of the disease it is communicable in nature ,it is found to spread among people who are working with pigs and consuming them ,farmers who come in contact with bats ,consuming fruits already bitten by the bats and by coming in contact with the people who already have nipah infection .Early symptoms of the disease includes sudden onset of fever ,headache ,nausea ,vomiting ,neck rigidity and photophobia,patient can even reach to a state of coma within 5-7 days .Diagnosed by ELISA test which is currently done at National institute of virology Pune . A specific treatment for it is yet to be found, supportive care and intensive care monitoring are the only treatment modalities currently available . 
As it is well said prevention is better than cure .. following should be practiced to avoid the disease , maintain personel hygiene and hand washing practices,avoid consuming raw fruits ,prefer using N95 mask while travelling or working in public places ,beware of the symptoms and report immediately if one is suspecting of the disease .
