A zoonotic disease called the Nipah virus can spread from some animals to people. After five instances of the rare Nipah virus were identified, some areas of the southern Indian state of Kerala closed its schools and offices.
Two people have already passed away, and three others, including a toddler, are receiving medical attention. To stop the virus's spread, 706 people, including 153 healthcare staff, have been tested, according to the authorities on Wednesday. Results are anticipated by them.
Kerala has experienced four Nipah outbreaks since 2018. In Kerala's northern Kozhikode district, all instances have been reported. The first death occurred earlier this month, and the second occurred on August 30.
For the next 10 days, Pinarayi Vijayan, the state's chief minister, has urged people to stay away from Kozhikode's public gatherings. He emphasised that the deaths were being taken "very seriously" by his government and urged citizens to exercise caution by wearing face masks and visiting hospitals only in cases of emergency. However, he added that there was no need to be concerned as individuals who had contact with the deceased, were receiving treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, the Nipah virus infection is a "zoonotic illness" that can spread from pigs and fruit bats to people. Additionally, it can spread via tainted food and direct contact with an infected individual.
People who get the virus might not exhibit any symptoms, while others can suffer from severe respiratory symptoms. Foetal encephalitis, a deadly illness that damages the brain, can also arise from a Nipah infection in extreme circumstances.
Since there is no pharmaceutical or vaccine to treat the infection, the fatality rate among those who get the virus is significant. The only available treatments are supportive care and symptom management.
Nipah virus invades Kerala making two fatalities
