Nipah Outbreak in Kerala: Nipah virus hits Kerala, know how it spreads and how dangerous it is?

Nipah Outbreak in Kerala: A 45-year-old man in Kerala has tested positive for the Nipah virus. Following this, the health department has been alerted and has begun identifying people who came into contact with the infected person.

Kerala Nipah virus case

Nipah Outbreak in Kerala: A new case of Nipah virus has been reported in Kerala. Tests conducted in Kozhikode confirmed the virus in a 45-year-old man. Following the case, health officials took precautionary measures and began identifying contacts of the man. The patient is currently undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Let us now explain how Nipah virus spreads and how dangerous it is.

The patient came in contact with 77 people

According to the report, it is a matter of relief that none of the 77 people who came into contact with the patient have shown any symptoms of Nipah virus so far. According to officials, 14 of these 77 people include the patient's family members, five friends and colleagues, and 58 health workers. It is being reported that 15 of these people have been placed in the high-risk category.

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah virus is a genetic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Its main source is believed to be fruit bats. The virus first appeared in Malaysia and Singapore in 1999. Periodic outbreaks have also been reported in India, Bangladesh, and some Southeast Asian countries.

How does Nipah virus spread?

Nipah virus infection can spread to humans in several ways, including by eating fruit contaminated with the saliva, urine, or feces of infected bats, by drinking unripe date palm juice that has come into contact with bats, by contact with infected animals, especially pigs, and by contact with body fluids such as saliva, blood, or other secretions of an infected patient. Experts say caregivers are at higher risk of infection.

What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?

Symptoms of this virus can appear 4 to 14 days after infection. Initial symptoms are similar to those of a common viral infection, including high fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, cough and sore throat, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, the virus can reach the brain and cause brain inflammation. According to the World Health Organization, 40 to 75 percent of patients infected with Nipah virus may die.