As Kerala grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, a new crisis has hit the state – the Nipah virus, which has a high mortality rate. A 12-year-old boy succumbed to the virus in KeralaFor the third time in four years on Sunday in Kozhikode district.
Meanwhile, the state heaved a sigh of relief today as the test results of those who came in close contact of a 12-year-old child who died of Nipah virus infection came back negative. State Health Minister Veena George said the test results of samples taken from eight close contacts of the child are negative, news agency PTI reported.
What is Nipah Virus?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals to humans and also spreads directly between people.
How is Nipah virus caused?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus is caused by bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals.
Transmission of Nipah virus to humans can also occur through close physical contact with infected people, especially through contact with body fluids. It has also been identified to be contaminated with the urine or saliva of bats, by drinking the juice of raw dates.
Symptoms of Nipah Virus
Along with respiratory illnesses, the virus can also cause fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, headache, fever, dizziness and nausea.
Treatment
Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines that specifically target Nipah virus infection. nipah virus Pathogens are one of the WHO’s research and development (R&D) pandemic threats template, requiring immediate R&D action. However, ribavirin, an antiviral, may have a role in reducing mortality in patients with encephalitis caused by Nipah virus disease. Intensive supportive care with treatment of symptoms is the main method of managing the infection in people.
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