Nipah Virus Case Raises Health Concerns in Southern India

Los Angeles/July 25, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

In Kerala, southern India, health authorities are taking urgent measures following the death of a 14-year-old boy from the Nipah virus. The state has identified 60 individuals as high-risk contacts and is implementing preventive protocols.

Kerala is identified as a high-risk area for Nipah outbreaks, according to a Reuters investigation. The virus, transmitted by fruit bats and pigs, can lead to severe brain inflammation and is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority pathogen due to its epidemic potential. There are currently no vaccines or treatments available.

Health Minister Veena George confirmed that the boy died from cardiac arrest caused by the virus. The government has established 25 committees to identify and isolate affected individuals as part of its control measures.

Dr. Anoop Kumar from Aster MIMS Hospital in Calicut reported that one school boy tested positive for Nipah, and those who had close contact with him are under surveillance. He indicated that while the immediate risk of a widespread outbreak is minimal, the situation will be monitored over the next week to ten days.

A total of 214 people are on the contact list, with 60 categorized as high-risk. Isolation wards have been set up in local health facilities for treatment. The family of the deceased is being observed in a local hospital, and others potentially exposed are advised to self-isolate.

The state government is actively working to trace and contain any further spread of the virus. Nipah has previously been linked to multiple deaths in Kerala since its emergence in the state in 2018. The virus, first identified in Malaysia 25 years ago, has caused outbreaks in Bangladesh, India, and Singapore.

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