The Health Department officials have said people should not believe messages being circulated on WhatsApp regarding the treatment for Nipah infection. The messages say that a preparation using some herbs, pepper and lemon can treat the infection.

Dr Ramesh Babu N, district health officer, Bengaluru Urban, said there is no antiviral drug yet for treating the infection, though some research is going on in Australia.

“Travel history and contact history of the patient with symptoms of the infection have to be ascertained first. If any person is having a high fever with a severe headache, it is better to visit the hospital, instead of opting for self-medication. Early detection of the infection helps treat the patient better,” he added.