Nipah virus News Today: Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported that another contact of the 24-year-old Nipah virus victim proved negative, bringing the total to 37 negative results in 2024.
In a major relief, Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced on Thursday that the Nipah virus test result for another individual who had contact with the 24-year-old man who died of the disease in Malappuram last week had come back negative, bringing the total number of negative results to 37 in 2024. She stated this following a high-level meeting in which she examined the situation here.
“Today, 265 people were provided mental support through the call center. For the prevention of the Nipah virus Field surveys in the Mampad, Thiruvaali, and Vandoor Panchayats have been completed for prevention. Surveys include 7,953 houses so far, with a total of 175 fever cases reported in the survey,” she said.
“two additional people had been added to the contact list, both of whom are considered high-risk. Of the individuals on the contact list, 81 are healthcare workers.” the minister said to reporters.
The minister stated that 177 people are on the primary contact list, with 90 on the secondary contact list. On the principal list, 134 people are rated high risk.
What is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah virus (NiV) infection, which was first identified in 1999, is a zoonosis that can be transmitted from animals to people. The fruit bat is the natural host for this Paramyxoviridae virus from the Henipavirus genus. During an outbreak of pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore, the virus was named after Sungai Nipah, a Malaysian hamlet where infected pig farmers had encephalitis.
To stop the outbreak of the Nipah Virus, one million pigs were slaughtered. Following instances in Bangladesh in 2004, humans became ill after drinking date palm sap contaminated by diseased fruit bats. Importantly, human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.
Nipah Virus Signs & symptoms
- Acute respiratory syndrome
- Deadly encephalitis
- Brain inflammation
- Fever and headaches lasting 3 to 14 days
- Drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Mental confusion
Nipah Virus Transmission
- Humans can get the virus through direct contact with infected bats and pigs.
- Another mode of transmission is eating fruits that have been nibbled on by infected bats and birds.
- NiV can also be transferred from person to person.
Nipah Virus Treatment
There is currently no vaccination available for humans or animals to combat NiV. As a result, the primary approach to treating human instances is to provide intense supportive care.
Individuals can protect themselves by avoiding contact with ill pigs and bats. Also, don’t eat the fruits that may have been bitten by bats. These precautions have an important role in lowering the risk of Nipah infection.
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