Recently in Kerala, a new virus was detected, which caused the death of a 14-year-old boy. Nipah virus, a deadly and infectious virus, was found in a 14-year-old boy, and 60 people are at high risk.
The health minister, Veena George, said in a local TV interview that ” the infected kid died on Sunday, July 21, 2024, after a cardiac arrest.”. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Nipah as a priority pathogen as it is capable of triggering an epidemic. The government of Kerala has issued an order to form 25 communities to identify and locate the infected people and make sure that they stay isolated. Almost 214 individuals have come in contact with the teenager of Malappuram before his death and are currently under observation.
Nipah Virus First Outbreak
Nipah virus was first found in domestic pigs in 1998 and 1999 in areas of Malaysia and Singapore. It is an infectious disease that infected 276 people on its first outbreak in the region of Malaysia and Singapore. The name Nipah originated after the name of the village in Malaysia where it was first detected. It infected a farmer who owned a pig. People got mainly infected by coming into contact with infected pigs during the initial outbreak.
The “Nipah Virus” was also recognized in 2001 in Bangladesh and has had an annual outbreak ever since. And other regions may have been infected as people travel through different states and countries.
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About Nipah Virus
Nipah virus or NiV, is a zoonotic virus caused by animals. It is mainly caused by bats. It can even be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from and between people. Nipah virus mainly comes from domestic animals such as pigs and fruit bats. It can cause brain swelling and fever in the human body. According to the research, this virus can infect several domestic species, such as pigs, horses, cows, dogs, cats, and many more.
Earlier in the initial outbreak of the Nipah virus, it was observed that it was mainly transmitted through unprotected exposure to the secretion of infected animals or coming in contact with infected domestic animals. On its next breakout in Bangladesh and also some parts of India, it was mainly caused by the consumption of fruits that were contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats.
As it is a deadly infectious disease, human-to-human transmission can also be possible within family members or people coming in contact with the infected person.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus
- Nipah virus symptoms include fever, headache, or muscle pain. And also with an incubation period of 5–14 days post-exposure.
- As the virus makes progress in one’s body, it can escalate to brain inflammation ( encephalitis) and seizures.
- Sore throats or coughs are respiratory issues that can also be seen in the symptoms of this virus.
- In some cases, this virus can also lead to cardiac arrest coma, or even the death of the infected person.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or severe weakness can also be symptoms of this virus.
Treatment of Nipah Virus
Till now, there have been no drugs or vaccines that can cure this disease. Researchers are working on the usage of monoclonal antibody treatment for this deadly virus.
Safety Measures For Nipah Virus
- Make sure to drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest daily.
- Use inhalers in case of breathing problems.
- Use medications approved by professionals to control nausea and vomiting.
- Take anti-seizure medications approved by your doctor if you experience a seizure.
