Nipah Virus Alert: Avoid Date Palm Sap, Partially Eaten Fruits to Prevent Infection

• Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease, spreads from animals (fruit bats) to humans, causing symptoms from mild illness to fatal encephalitis.
• Avoid consuming date palm sap, partially eaten fruits, or fruits that have fallen from trees, as bats can contaminate them.
• Thoroughly wash all fruits before eating; do not consume bruised or unwashed fruits.
• Drink chlorinated and boiled water, maintain personal hygiene, and wear masks when near animals or infected individuals.
• Keep bats away from home gardens, stored fruit juices, and wells; avoid abandoned places where bats might nest.

Why It Matters: Exercise caution and hygiene to prevent Nipah virus spread, especially by avoiding contaminated fruits and water.