Health officials in Kerala, India, have issued a warning following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus.
The state’s health minister, Veena George, reported that 60 additional individuals have been classified as high-risk for the disease. The deceased boy was from Pandikkad, and those who had close contact with him are now in isolation and undergoing testing.
Residents in the area have been advised to take preventive measures, including wearing masks in public and avoiding hospital visits.
What is Nipah virus?
The Nipah virus infection is a “zoonotic illness” transmitted from animals like pigs and fruit bats to humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO has described the virus as a priority pathogen because of its potential to trigger an epidemic.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
Initial symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
In some people, this can be followed by:
- Dizziness and/or drowsiness
- And/or altered consciousness
- And/or altered acute encephalitis
- And/or atypical pneumonia
- And/or other severe respiratory problems
How deadly is it?
The Nipah virus can sometimes be asymptomatic, while others may experience severe respiratory issues. In more severe instances, it can lead to encephalitis, a serious condition impacting the brain.
The virus has a high mortality rate due to the absence of specific treatments or vaccines. Care is currently focused on managing symptoms and providing supportive treatment.
How does the Nipah virus spread?
It can be transmitted through contaminated food and through contact with an infected person.
Experts say that due to habitat loss, animals are living in closer proximity to humans and this helps the virus jump from animals to humans.
The Kerala state government recently announced that it was creating an action plan to prevent a Nipah outbreak.
Last year, authorities in the state closed schools and offices after confirming five cases.
Where in India has Nipah virus been found?
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that the initial outbreaks of the Nipah virus occurred in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007.
In 2018, an outbreak in Kerala’s Kozhikode and Malappuram districts resulted in 17 deaths. Since then, the virus has been associated with numerous fatalities in Kerala.
The 14-year-old who recently died was confirmed to have the virus just one day before his death, according to reports from Indian media.
Kerala is considered one of the highest-risk regions globally for the Nipah virus. A Reuters investigation last year highlighted that the state’s tropical climate, coupled with rapid urbanization and deforestation, creates “ideal conditions for the emergence of a virus like Nipah.”
What are fruit bats?
Fruit bats, also called “megabats”, are a grouping that contain some of the largest bats in the world. These mammals, usually found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, are natural hosts for the Nipah virus.