Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala: How to protect yourself

 

The latest outbreak of Nipah virus has been reported from Kerala, where two people have died and two others, including a nine-year-old boy, have tested positive for the infection. The state government has confirmed the diagnosis after receiving the test results from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. A team of experts from the National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC) has also reached Kerala to assist the state authorities in containing the spread of the virus.

According to the state health minister Veena George, the index case is believed to be a 44-year-old man who died on August 30 due to liver cirrhosis and Nipah infection. His son, who is currently in ICU, and his brother-in-law are among the confirmed cases. The other deceased person is a 40-year-old man who died on September 11. The health department has identified 168 contacts of the two deceased persons and 127 of them are health workers. The minister said an alert has been issued in Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts and people have been advised to use masks and avoid contact with sick animals.

Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly virus that can infect humans and animals. It can cause fever, headache, cough, breathing problems, and brain swelling. It can kill up to 75% of the people who get infected. There is no cure or vaccine for NiV.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that can cause severe respiratory and neurological disease in humans. It is transmitted from bats to humans or other animals through direct contact or consumption of contaminated fruits. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 and has since caused outbreaks in several Asian countries, including India.

Nipah virus is one of the priority pathogens with pandemic potential, as it can mutate and spread easily among humans. A nationwide survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) has found evidence of Nipah virus circulation in bats across nine states and one union territory . This indicates that there is a risk of spillover events in different parts of the country. Hence, it is important to raise awareness and educate people about the prevention and control of Nipah virus infection.

The virus was first detected in India in 2001 in West Bengal's Siliguri, where it killed 45 people out of 66 cases. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks of the virus in different parts of the country, mostly in Kerala.

NiV is spread by fruit bats, which are the natural hosts of the virus. They can pass the virus to other animals, such as pigs, horses, and dogs, or to humans, through their saliva, urine, or feces. People can also get infected by eating fruits that have been bitten by bats, or by drinking raw date palm sap that has been contaminated by bats. People can also get infected by touching or caring for sick animals or people who have NiV.

The best way to protect yourself from NiV is to avoid contact with bats or their droppings, and to wash your hands and fruits well before eating them. You should also avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products, especially pork. You should also avoid contact with sick animals or people who have NiV symptoms, such as fever, headache, cough, or confusion. If you have been in contact with someone who has NiV, you should monitor your health and seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms.

If you live in an area where NiV outbreaks have occurred, you should follow the advice of the local health authorities. They may ask you to stay at home, wear a mask, or get tested for NiV if needed. They may also ask you to report any sick or dead animals or people in your area. You should cooperate with them and help them stop the spread of the virus.

NiV is a serious threat to public health and needs urgent action. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with the affected countries to provide guidance and support. The WHO also advises travelers to avoid contact with sick animals or people, and to seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of NiV infection.