The Nipah virus outbreak grips the Indian state of Kerala — What are the key details? Originally discovered in 1998 amidst an outbreak impacting pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. Now the Nipah virus has emerged in Kerala, India.
The southern Indian state of Kerala has taken rapid measures this week. Including the closure of specific schools and offices, to contain the spread of the deadly Nipah virus, which has led to the loss of two lives.
This incident marks the fourth occurrence of the virus since 2018. Let’s explore our understanding of this virus:
Origins:
Initially discovered in 1998 during an outbreak affecting pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. The Nipah virus can infect humans directly through contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats and pigs. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented. Scientists suspect that the virus has coexisted with flying foxes for centuries. It is raising concerns about the potential emergence of a mutated, highly transmissible strain from bats.
Symptoms and Treatment:
Currently, there are no available vaccines for prevention or cure of Nipah virus infection, which carries a mortality rate of around 70%. The standard treatment approach involves providing supportive care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infected individuals typically experience initial symptoms such as fever, respiratory distress, headaches, and vomiting.
In severe cases, encephalitis and seizures may occur, possibly leading to a coma. The WHO has included the virus in its list of pathogens with epidemic potential for research and development.
Previous Outbreaks Of Nipah Virus:
The Nipah virus has a history of outbreaks. The 1998 outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore resulted in over 100 fatalities and nearly 300 infections. Since then, it has spread over vast distances, with mortality rates ranging from 72% to 86% among those infected.
According to WHO data, over 600 cases of Nipah virus infections in humans were reported between 1998 and 2015. In 2001, an outbreak in India, along with two more in Bangladesh, claimed the lives of 62 out of 91 infected individuals.
However, in 2018, Kerala experienced an outbreak that claimed 21 lives, followed by additional outbreaks in 2019 and 2021. In May, it emphasized that certain areas in Kerala pose one of the highest global risks for outbreaks of bat-borne viruses.
