Send
Print
Natalie Kolb
Humans can contract the Nipah virus from animals, pigs, or fruit bats. The virus can cause fever and brain swelling. 60 or so persons were placed under the "high risk" category following the death of a 14-year-old child.
Statistics from the World Health Organization shows that the Nipah virus is considered a priority infection due to its great potential for spreading like wildfire. There are no available medications to treat the illness or vaccines to prevent infection.
The virus was initially identified in Malaysia 25 years ago, and that it subsequently caused outbreaks in Bangladesh and Singapore. Since its discovery, numerous deaths have been reported, including in several Indian states.
According to the BBC, Kerala, a famous tourist destination, is especially at risk because of the disease's ability to spread due to huge deforestation and fast urbanization. The child died suddenly, and the Indian authorities raised the alarm after learning of the teen's symptoms just one week before to his death. The day before, the government had ordered the formation of 25 committees to track down and separate those who had contact with the child in an effort to contain the infection. There are allegedly 250 or so people on the list.
The Indian Express writes that fever and respiratory infections are among the symptoms that four of the victims are already experiencing. In extreme situations, the virus results in convulsions, brain inflammation, and coma. A patient who was previously in contact with the youngster is critically ill and is being kept alive via life support. People in the probable epicenter have been advised by the local health ministry to wear masks, wash fruits before eating, and refrain from eating fruit that has been bitten by animals such as bats or birds.
source: bbc.com, indianexpress.com
Statistics from the World Health Organization shows that the Nipah virus is considered a priority infection due to its great potential for spreading like wildfire. There are no available medications to treat the illness or vaccines to prevent infection.
The virus was initially identified in Malaysia 25 years ago, and that it subsequently caused outbreaks in Bangladesh and Singapore. Since its discovery, numerous deaths have been reported, including in several Indian states.
According to the BBC, Kerala, a famous tourist destination, is especially at risk because of the disease's ability to spread due to huge deforestation and fast urbanization. The child died suddenly, and the Indian authorities raised the alarm after learning of the teen's symptoms just one week before to his death. The day before, the government had ordered the formation of 25 committees to track down and separate those who had contact with the child in an effort to contain the infection. There are allegedly 250 or so people on the list.
The Indian Express writes that fever and respiratory infections are among the symptoms that four of the victims are already experiencing. In extreme situations, the virus results in convulsions, brain inflammation, and coma. A patient who was previously in contact with the youngster is critically ill and is being kept alive via life support. People in the probable epicenter have been advised by the local health ministry to wear masks, wash fruits before eating, and refrain from eating fruit that has been bitten by animals such as bats or birds.
source: bbc.com, indianexpress.com
