14 Years Old Boy in Kerala Dies Due To Nipah Virus! What is Nipah Virus?
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Nipah Virus Alert in Kerala:
- On July 21, 2024, a 14-year-old boy in Kerala died from Nipah virus.
- Kerala's health minister issued a high alert throughout the state.
About Nipah Virus:
- Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals (like bats or pigs) to humans.
- First identified in pig farmers in Malaysia in 1999.
- Cases have also been reported in Singapore, Bangladesh, and India.
Transmission:
- Through direct contact with infected animals.
- Consuming fruits contaminated by fruit bats.
- Direct contact with an infected person.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Initial Symptoms: Fever, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, vomiting.
- Progressive Symptoms: Dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty focusing.
- Severe Symptoms (within 24-48 hours): Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, encephalitis (brain swelling), seizures leading to coma.
Incubation Period:
- 4-14 days.
Diagnosis:
- RT-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) or ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests on body fluids.
Treatment and Prevention:
- No specific treatment or vaccine available.
- Severe cases require intensive supportive care.
- WHO Research and Development Blueprint has identified Nipah virus as a priority disease.
- Preventive measures:
- Clean and disinfect pig farms.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Prevent the movement of infected animals.
Source:-
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570576/
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nipah-virus
Disclaimer:
This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.
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