NIPAH Virus

Source: Times of India
GS II: Health

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is NIPAH Virus?

Why in News?

Kozhikode district in Kerala is on high alert following the third outbreak of the Nipah virus (NiV) in the state in five years.

News in Brief

• Two persons have succumbed to fever in the district since August 30, and several others are exhibiting symptoms of a viral infection.
• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed that the two deaths were caused by NiV.
• Four patients, currently under surveillance, were suspected of being infected with NiV, and their samples have been dispatched for testing.
• The state has initiated precautionary measures, including contact tracing, isolation of suspected contacts, and treatment for those with suspected cases.

What is NIPAH Virus?

• Nipah is a viral infection that mainly affects animals such as bats, pigs, dogs, and horses.

  

• It is caused by a type of RNA virus in the genus Henipavirus.
• Being zoonotic, it can jump to humans who come in contact with the infected animals.
• Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore.
• Since then, it has caused several outbreaks in Bangladesh and India.
• It is mostly linked to consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated with bat urine or saliva.
• The most recent outbreak occurred in Kerala, India, in September 2023, resulting in two deaths and over 40 containment zones declared in Kozhikode district.

• Sign and Symptoms
  • It usually presents as fever and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis
  • Headache
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle pain and severe weakness
  • In extreme cases, disorientation and seizures
• Cure
  • There are no antivirals.
  • There is only symptomatic management Researchers are studying using monoclonal antibody treatment.
  • The primary treatment for humans is supportive care, which may include oxygen therapy, fluids, and anticonvulsants.
• Prevention
  • Prevention measures include avoiding exposure to bats and sick pigs, and not drinking raw date palm sap or eating fruits that may have been bitten by bats.
  • People who have close contact with Nipah virus patients should wear protective equipment and wash their hands frequently.

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