2024-07-23 00:32:40
New Delhi : The threat of Nipah virus has once again knocked in Kerala. A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram in the state died of Nipah virus on Sunday. The boy, a resident of Pandikkad, suffered a heart attack at 10.50 am on Sunday and could not be saved. Nipah virus infection was confirmed by NIV Pune. The government has become alert after the first death from Nipah in the state this year. After the death, the central government has asked the state government to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of this infection. Along with this, a joint outbreak central team will be deployed to assist the state with investigation of the case, identification of epidemiological links and technical assistance.
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died in Kozhikode last year
A central team of experts will be sent to the state to take stock of the situation. This will also help the state government to deal with the infection. Kerala also recorded deaths due to Nipah virus infection last year. The outbreak of Nipah virus was in Kozhikode district. In this neighbouring district of Wayanad, six people were infected with the virus, out of which two died. Cases of Nipah infection outbreak were reported in Kozhikode district in the years 2018, 2021 and 2023 and in Ernakulam district in 2019. The presence of antibodies of Nipah virus was detected in bats from Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts.
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How does Nipah infection spread?
Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats. Contact with infected bats, their saliva or contaminated food can spread the virus. Human-to-human transmission has also been observed, primarily through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection spreads from animals to people. The disease can also spread through contaminated food or from person to person. Nipah virus causes brain damage. People infected with this form of the virus usually have a mortality rate of 70 to 90 percent. Apart from this, bats are considered to be the source of viruses such as rabies, Marburg filovirus, Hendra and Nipah paramyxovirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus and fruit bats are considered to be the source of Ebola virus.
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Symptoms of Nipah Infection
Initial symptoms often include fever, headache, and muscle aches, and last from 5 to 14 days after infection. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), seizures, and confusion. Respiratory problems such as cough and sore throat may also occur. In severe cases, the virus can lead to coma and death.
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How will the rescue happen?
The World Health Organization recommends minimizing contact with fruit bats and pigs, especially in outbreak areas. Make sure food is cooked thoroughly. Also avoid consuming raw or underripe fruits. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and using personal protective equipment, are essential to prevent the spread of the virus.
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What is the treatment?
Monoclonal antibodies are the only available treatment for Nipah virus infection. However, it has not been medically confirmed yet. Last year, the Kerala government had said that ‘monoclonal antibodies’, the only treatment against Nipah infection, would be developed indigenously to combat the deadly virus.