Sep 13, 2023
Nipah virus infection has resurfaced in Kozhikode district for the third time in the past five years, causing the death of a 40-year-old man, Mangalatt Haris of Ayanchery, on Monday as well as two relatives of a 49-year-old man, Kallat Mohammedali of Maruthonkara, who died on August 30.
Image Source: Reuters
4 cases of the contagious viral infection has been confirmed in the state. Among the infected ones are a nine year old kid, and a 25 year old male. 49 year old Kallat Mohammedali is said to be the index case of the outbreak, reports have said.
Image Source: NYT News Service
Health minister Veena George said preventive and disease management measures as per the state government's Nipah protocol had been activated while intense contract tracing and surveillance measures were underway. She has urged people to wear face masks and undertake hospital visits only for exigencies.
Image Source: ANI
A central team of experts has been sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the state government in the management of the Nipah virus infection, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.
Image Source: ANI
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines nipah infection as a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals, and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person-to-person.
Image Source: IANS
Infected people have fever, headaches, myalgia, vomiting and sore throat. People also complain of dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. The incubation period is 4 to 14 days, mostly.
Image Source: PTI
"Most people make a full recovery, although some are left with residual neurological conditions after acute encephalitis. Some cases of relapse have been reported," the WHO says. The fatality rate is 40-75%.
Image Source: IANS
The virus spreads to humans from bats and pigs mostly, through contaminated food. Fruit bats are the hosts of the virus which is highly contagious in nature. It can also spread from human to human directly.
Image Source: IANS
Till date, Kozhikode, Kerala has witnessed three Nipah outbreaks. The first one at Changaroth near Perambra in May 2018 claimed 17 lives. Nipah was reported again in Sept 2021, when a 12-year-old boy from Chathamangalam died.
Image Source: PTI
Thanks For Reading!
Read Next