Nipah Virus death confirmed: What is it? Precautionary measure and more

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday confirmed that the two deaths reported from Kerala’s Kozhikode district were caused by the Nipah virus. Nipah Virus (NiV), a zoonotic virus first emerged in 1998 in Malaysia and Singapore primarily affecting domestic pigs. 

Mandaviya while addressing a press conference said that an expert team from the centre has been dispatched to Kerala to assess the situation and aid the State Government in controlling the Nipah virus infection. 

Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post that the Government is viewing the two deaths seriously and the health department has issued an alert in Kozhikode.

Four more samples from Kerala have reportedly been delivered to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing for the deadly virus, according to official sources. A control room has also been set up in Kozhikode by the State Government. The Kerala Government has advised people to use masks as a precautionary measure. A district-wide health alert was also issued after the two deaths. 

What is the Nipah virus with a fatality rate between 40-75%? 

It's crucial to note that although the Nipah Virus cannot be transmitted through the air, it can be disseminated by infected objects and droplets. Cases of Nipah infection have a fatality rate between 40 per cent to 75 per cent, says the World Health Organisation. 

Symptoms of Nipah virus

The Nipah Virus commonly shows symptoms 4 to 14 days after exposure. Fever and headache are the primary symptoms, which are frequently accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, a brain infection, and even death.

Precautionary measures for Nipah virus

• Avoiding close contact: Stay away from infected individuals, especially those showing symptoms, and avoid close contact with their bodily fluids.
• Hygiene: Practising good hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap and water can help reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid fruit bats: Nipah Virus is often transmitted through fruit bats. Avoid contact with them and do not consume fruits that may have been contaminated by bat saliva or urine.
• Quarantine measures: Rapidly identifying and isolating suspected cases can help prevent the virus from spreading within communities.
• Awareness: Stay informed about outbreaks in your region and follow public health guidelines.
• Protective gear: Healthcare workers should use appropriate personal protective equipment when caring for infected individuals.