Health department of the Government of Sikkim has issued an advisory urging people of the state to take precautions against Nipah virus.

"Though there is minimal possibility of Nipah virus in Sikkim, but the people need to take precaution," said the advisory issued on Friday.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, vomiting and fainting. Some may also show symptoms of epilepsy. The symptoms may last 10-12 days followed by unconsciousness and death as a result of brain fever, added the advisory.

People of the state have been advised not to eat fruits and vegetables bitten by birds, bats and animals, wash their hands properly after contacting infected person and monitor fever cases with history of travel to the affected areas.