14 Years Old Boy in Kerala Dies Due To Nipah Virus! What is Nipah Virus?

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:

1. Clean and disinfect pig farms.
2. Wash hands with soap and water.
3. 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