Fruit bats, particularly the Pteropus species, are identified as the primary reservoir of the Nipah virus. These bats are known to harbour the virus without showing symptoms, making them silent carriers. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have found Nipah virus antibodies in samples collected from fruit bats in regions like Kozhikode, connecting the link between these mammals and the virus.
Fruit bats can shed the virus in their saliva, urine, and faeces. When these excretions come into contact with fruits, the virus can be transmitted to humans who consume the contaminated produce. This was evident in the recent Malappuram case, where the boy’s consumption of hog plum fruit, a known favourite of fruit bats, led to his infection.
How fruit bats affect humans?
The transmission of the Nipah virus from bats to humans typically occurs through the consumption of fruits contaminated by bat excretions. Infected fruit bats can also transmit the virus to other animals, such as pigs, dogs, and cats, which can then act as intermediate hosts, further spreading the virus to humans. This zoonotic transmission pathway has been observed in multiple outbreaks, including the notable ones in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2023.
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Once the virus infects humans, it can cause severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, encephalitis leading to coma or death. The high mortality rate associated with Nipah virus infections, ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the outbreak, makes it a particularly deadly pathogen.
Preventing Nipah virus infection from contaminated fruits
Given the significant risk posed by fruit bats, it is important to adopt preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of Nipah virus infection. Here are some practical steps to protect yourself and your family:
- Avoid eating fallen or unwashed fruits: Never consume fruits that have fallen to the ground or show signs of bat bites or other damage. Always wash fruits thoroughly before consumption to remove any potential contaminants.
- Store fruits properly: Keep fruits in closed containers to prevent contamination by bats. Avoid leaving fruits exposed in areas where bats are known to roost.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling fruits or being in areas frequented by bats. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
- Protect pets and livestock: Ensure that pets and livestock do not have access to areas where fruit bats are present. This can prevent secondary transmission of the virus from animals to humans.
