The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals such as pigs and fruit bats to humans.
On Saturday, the Kerala government announced that a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram district has been diagnosed with Nipah virus infection.
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals such as pigs and fruit bats to humans. It typically spreads through direct contact with animals or contaminated food but can also be passed from person to person.
Also Read:- Aanvi Kamdar Death: Tragic Fall Claims Life of Popular Social Media Influencer at Maharashtra Waterfall
Common symptoms of Nipah virus include high fever, vomiting, and respiratory issues. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and brain inflammation, resulting in a coma. Currently, there is no vaccine available for Nipah.
Kerala’s health minister, Veena George, confirmed that the National Institute of Virology in Pune identified the infection in the boy, who is currently on a ventilator at a private hospital.
“He will be transferred to the government medical college in Kozhikode. We have already started contact tracing, and high-risk contacts have been isolated with their samples sent for testing,” George stated, as reported by PTI.
She also mentioned that the epicenter of the outbreak is Pandikkad in Malappuram district, and precautionary measures are already in place.
Also Read:- Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s Grand Wedding: A Star-Studded Celebration of Tradition and Opulence
George urged residents in Pandikkad and nearby areas to wear masks in public and avoid visiting hospitals unless necessary.
“A strict observation will be maintained within a three-kilometer radius of the epicenter in Pandikkad, and restrictions will be enforced,” she added.
The state health department received notification about the suspected Nipah infection from a private hospital in Kozhikode on Friday. The department quickly responded by testing samples locally and sending them to the virology institute in Pune.
The health department advised the public to avoid consuming fruits that appear to have been partially eaten by birds or animals and to thoroughly wash fruits before eating. Additionally, it recommended avoiding beverages like toddy stored in open containers.
Nipah virus outbreaks have previously occurred in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019. Antibodies for the Nipah virus have been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts.
Also Read:- Parents of Captain Anshuman Singh Allege Daughter-in-Law Took Kirti Chakra with Her
In 2018, Kerala experienced a significant outbreak where at least 17 people succumbed to the Nipah virus.