Another virus is currently making headlines after the havoc the COVID-19 virus has brought — the Nipah virus or NiV. While it’s not a recent pathogen, its emergence has caused fear and apprehension among the masses still recovering from the recent pandemic.
If you’re one of those wondering about the scale of a possible outbreak, don’t fret. Read on to find out more about this virus and how it may affect the world.
The Frequency of an Outbreak
An outbreak is when there is a sudden increase in the occurrence of a specific disease in a community. It can happen at any time, especially if the disease is highly contagious.
You must remember that new viruses, bacteria, or fungi emerge now and can cause an outbreak. That’s why you must always be ready for what might happen, especially regarding your and your family’s health.
First, you must ensure that you boost your immune system to help your body fight illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Additionally, it would also help if you acquire health and life insurance to protect your finances when disease is unavoidable.
You can use the free look period insurance companies give their policyholders to determine whether the insurance coverage you applied for is the one that suits your needs. By doing so, you’ll be confident that you’re giving yourself and your loved ones the protection you need.
Furthermore, you must remember that an outbreak isn’t a pandemic. An outbreak only occurs within a specific area. Meanwhile, a pandemic occurs in multiple countries or continents simultaneously.
The Emergence Of Nipah Virus
The Nipah virus has been around for years. It was first detected in Malaysia in 1998. It is a zoonotic virus that comes from animals and can be spread to humans. The most common carriers of the NiV virus are fruit bats or flying foxes.
NiV is considered a porcine neurologic, meaning the virus also causes illness in pigs. Moreover, it’s also known to be a respiratory illness when the disease spreads to humans.
This paramyxovirus type belongs to the same family as mumps, measles, Hendra virus, and RSV. It was named after the village in Malaysia, where it was first recorded.