JAKARTA - Bats often live side by side with humans, especially in plantation areas or environments with many fruit trees. However, the presence of these nocturnal animals is not always safe if they are in direct contact with humans.
Bites or bite marks from bats on fruit have the potential to be a transmission pathway for zoonotic diseases, one of which is the Nipah virus which is known to be dangerous and has a high mortality rate.
Chairman of the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso Sp.A, urged parents to be more vigilant and reminded children not to eat fruit found with bat bite marks. This habit is still often found, especially in rural areas.
"We also have many habits, children pick up fruits that were previously eaten by bats, because they are lazy to climb, fruits that were previously eaten by bats are sometimes also eaten, if the bats contain the nipah virus, then this can be transmitted to our children," said Piprim in a webinar. followed, Thursday.
Nipah virus is a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans or is a zoonosis. Animals known to be intermediaries in transmission include bats, pigs, and several other types of livestock.
The fatality rate of this virus is quite high, with a death rate of around 75 percent. This means that three out of four infected people are at risk of dying, especially if they do not receive medical treatment quickly and properly.
Due to the nature of its transmission involving animals, Piprim emphasized the importance of vigilance against the presence of wild and livestock animals around the residence. He also assessed the need for cooperation between parents, health workers, and the community in reporting sudden death incidents in wild or livestock animals.
Until now, the Nipah virus does not have a specific vaccine or treatment. The initial symptoms also often resemble viral infections in general, such as fever, muscle pain, and malaise, so that they are often not realized from the beginning.
If not treated immediately, Nipah virus infection can develop into encephalitis and attack the nervous system and other vital organs.
One of the preventive steps that can be taken is to re-familiarize with Healthy and Clean Living Behavior (PHBS), which is considered an important foundation in preventing various infectious diseases.
"So this is indeed one of the serious diseases, and there is no medicine or vaccine. Therefore, PHBS is one of the main keys, clean and healthy living behavior," said Piprim.
In addition to maintaining cleanliness, the public is also urged to recognize symptoms early. If there are signs of unusual infections, especially after contact with animals or at-risk environments, immediately consult a health facility.
Piprim also reminded the public not to panic easily in receiving information related to the Nipah virus. However, vigilance still needs to be increased as a protective measure for oneself, family, and especially children.
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