2023-09-12 18:01:26
Nipah Virus Claims Two Lives in Kerala, India
Kerala, India – In a concerning development, health officials in the state of Kerala reported two deaths caused by the deadly Nipah virus. The victims succumbed to the disease on Tuesday, according to an official from the Indian National Institute of Virology.
The first case of Nipah virus disease in Kerala was reported on September 4, 2021, in the Kozhikode district. A 12-year-old boy had initially developed a low-grade fever, prompting his family to seek medical care at a local healthcare facility. As his condition worsened, he was transferred between several hospitals, and on August 31, his samples confirmed the presence of the Nipah virus in his plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum.
Tragically, the patient passed away on September 5, and his body was safely buried and cremated in Kozhikode later that same day.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease with a high death rate among those infected. Originating in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, it is commonly found in fruit bats of the flying fox family, which act as natural hosts. This recent outbreak marks the fifth occurrence of the disease in India.
The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated food products. It can also spread through close contact with an infected individual. Previously, Nipah disease followed a seasonal pattern during the winter and spring, often coinciding with the breeding and fruit harvest seasons of bats. With a death rate ranging from 40 to 100 percent, the virus poses a significant threat.
Unfortunately, no licensed vaccines or treatments are currently available for Nipah virus. However, experimental monoclonal antibodies have been developed for humanitarian purposes.
To prevent the transmission of Nipah virus, the World Health Organization advises individuals to avoid exposure to bats and sick animals in endemic areas. It is also recommended to abstain from consuming fruits that might have been partially eaten by bats and refrain from drinking raw date palm sap. Properly washing and peeling fruits before consumption can help mitigate the risk of infection.
In healthcare settings, it is crucial for staff to implement standard infection prevention and control measures to contain the spread of nosocomial infections. Health care workers who suspect a patient of being infected with Nipah virus should immediately contact local and national experts for guidance and arrange for laboratory tests. The World Health Organization also emphasizes the importance of observing safe and dignified burial practices for confirmed and suspected cases of Nipah virus disease.
As Kerala grapples with the impact of the Nipah virus, authorities and health officials are working tirelessly to contain the spread of the disease and prevent further fatalities. Vigilance, adherence to preventive measures, and swift action are crucial in combating this deadly virus.
Sources:
– Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/deaths-indias-kerala-state-due-nipah-virus-disease-virologist-2021-09-21/
– World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/nipah-virus]
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