Ways to protect yourself from Nipah virus (NiV)
People in Sri Lanka are paying close attention to the “Nipah” virus that is spreading in neighbouring India. Dr Saranga Sumathipala, a virus expert, has revealed how to protect oneself from the virus.
He says wearing a face mask is not mandatory, but by wearing it, anyone can protect their health and the safety of the people around them. He says by wearing a face mask, they can protect themselves not only from the Nipah virus but also from influenza viruses.
He also points out that it is important not to eat fruits suspected to have been eaten by animals, such as bats, and to wash them thoroughly with clean water before eating them.
Answering the question of whether it is appropriate to eat the meat of animals such as pigs, etc., as they could be infected with the decease, the specialist doctor said that since such a situation has not been reported in Sri Lanka so far, there is no problem in eating well-cooked meat.