Consequent to two “unnatural deaths” caused due to fever in Kozhikode, the Kerala Health Department issued an alert. Health officials suspect that these deaths may be connected to Nipah virus infection.
These unfortunate incidents took place at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Additionally, one of the deceased is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of another hospital, and the test results are expected by Wednesday.
State Health Minister Veena George chaired a high-level meeting to assess the situation.
Kozhikode has previously experienced two Nipah virus outbreaks, in 2018 and 2021, with a total of 23 cases and 17 fatalities during the 2018 outbreak. Nipah virus infection can present with varying symptoms, from asymptomatic cases to severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis.
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As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, and it can also spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. The virus can also impact animals like pigs, causing significant economic losses for farmers, as noted by WHO.
All About Nipah Virus
Nipah virus (NiV), which transmits from animals to humans, was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers. Nipah virus can cause severe illness in both animals and humans.
Here are some key points about the Nipah virus:
Transmission: Nipah virus is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, especially bats and pigs. Human-to-human transmission can also occur, primarily through close contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions or bodily fluids.
Symptoms: The symptoms of Nipah virus infection can vary from mild to severe and typically appear between 4 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Headache
– Muscle pain
– Fatigue
– Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat)
– Nausea and vomiting
– Neurological symptoms (drowsiness, disorientation, confusion)
Severe Cases: In severe cases, Nipah virus infection can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), resulting in more serious symptoms such as:
– Seizures
– Coma
– Respiratory distress
– Death
Prevention: Preventing Nipah virus infection involves avoiding close contact with infected animals, especially bats and sick pigs. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, and avoiding consumption of raw date palm sap, which can be contaminated by bats, are important preventive measures.
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