Dr. Christian Keith Garrido

Feeling incredibly grateful today after a kind note from an affiliated HMO.

Whether I’m seeing patients in person or online, my goal is always to provide the highest standard of care.

To all my patients, whether we meet face-to-face or via teleconsult: thank you for trusting me with your care.

Nipah Virus (NiV): What you need to know

Nipah is a serious virus passed from animals to humans (zoonotic). It can cause severe brain swelling (encephalitis) and lung problems. It has a high death rate, making it a major public health concern.

🦇 Where it Comes From
• The Source: Fruit bats (also called "flying foxes") are the natural carriers.

• How Humans Get It:

-Drinking raw date palm sap or eating fruit that bats have bitten or peed on.

-Sick Animals: Contact with infected pigs (common in past outbreaks).

-Person-to-Person: Close contact with a sick person’s fluids (spit, blood, or urine).

🤒 Symptoms & Timing
Symptoms usually show up 4 to 14 days after exposure.
1. Starts Like the Flu: Fever, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat.

2. Lung Issues: Cough and difficulty breathing.

3. Brain Issues: Drowsiness and confusion. In severe cases, this can lead to seizures or a coma within 24 to 48 hours.

🩺 Diagnosis & Treatment
• Testing:(PCR tests)

• The Reality: There is no specific cure or vaccine yet.

• Care: Patients are treated in hospitals with "supportive care,"

🛡️ How to Stay Safe
• Watch What You Eat: Don't drink raw date palm juice. Wash and peel all fruit, and throw away anything that looks like an animal took a bite out of it.

• Keep Your Distance: If someone is sick, avoid touching their body fluids. Use gloves and masks if you are a caregiver.

• Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Latest Updates (January 2026)
• New Cases: Two cases were recently confirmed in West Bengal, India. Some airports have started screening travelers to stop the spread.

• Vaccine Progress: A promising new vaccine entered Phase II clinical trials in late 2025. Scientists are working to create a "reserve" of shots that can be used quickly if a big outbreak happens.





Credits to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and CNA

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