In India’s southern state of Kerala, recent measures were taken to combat the Nipah virus, a deadly threat responsible for two fatalities during its fourth outbreak since 2018. Here, we delve into the specifics of this virus.
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The Genesis of the Nipah Virus
In 1998, a significant breakthrough occurred during an outbreak of illness within the pig farming communities of Malaysia and Singapore. This was when the Nipah virus was first identified. Notably, the virus can directly infect humans through contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats and pigs, and there have been documented cases of human-to-human transmission. Researchers believe that Nipah may have coexisted with flying foxes for countless years, raising concerns about the potential emergence of a highly transmissible mutated strain from these bats.
Treatment of Nipah Infection
Currently, there are no vaccines available for preventing or curing Nipah infection, which boasts a mortality rate of approximately 70%. The standard approach to managing this infection involves providing supportive care. Initial symptoms in infected individuals include fever, respiratory distress, headaches, and vomiting, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Severe cases can lead to encephalitis and seizures, sometimes resulting in a coma. The WHO has classified the Nipah virus as a pathogen with epidemic potential, underscoring the urgency of research and development efforts.
Prevention of Nipah Virus
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent the spread of Nipah virus, including:
- Avoiding contact with bats and their droppings.
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with bats or their droppings.
- Cooking meat thoroughly before eating it.
- Avoiding contact with sick pigs.
Tracing Previous Outbreaks
The first notable outbreak of the Nipah virus in 1998 wreaked havoc in Malaysia and Singapore, claiming the lives of over 100 people and infecting nearly 300 individuals. Since then, it has traversed thousands of miles, with mortality rates ranging from 72% to 86% among those infected. WHO data reveals that between 1998 and 2015, there were over 600 reported cases of Nipah virus infections in humans.
![Nipah Virus](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Nipah-Virus-3-1024x576.webp)
![Nipah Virus](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Nipah-Virus-2-1024x683.webp)
In 2001, India faced an outbreak that resulted in the loss of 62 lives out of 91 infected individuals. Bangladesh also experienced two outbreaks, claiming a significant number of victims. The most recent outbreak in Kerala in 2018 resulted in 21 fatalities, with subsequent outbreaks occurring in 2019 and 2021. It is worth noting that parts of Kerala are considered high-risk areas for bat virus outbreaks, a concern highlighted in a Reuters investigation conducted in May.