Nipah Virus in Kerala: Recognizing Symptoms and Implementing Preventive Measures

Confirmed Nipah Virus Cases in Kerala

The presence of the Nipah virus has once again been detected in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. This marks the third occurrence of the virus in the district since 2018, with four confirmed cases of this contagious viral infection in the state. Sadly, two of these cases, initially attributed to unnatural causes, have been attributed to Nipah virus infection. Among those affected are a nine-year-old child and a 25-year-old male. It has been reported that the index case of this outbreak is Kallat Mohammedali, a 49-year-old individual.

Unusual Deaths in Kerala

The Kerala Health Department has raised concerns following two deaths classified as unnatural in the Kozhikode district. Relatives of one of the deceased individuals have been admitted to the intensive care unit, as reported by the news agency PTI. State Health Minister Veena George convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation, as stated by the health department on Monday night. Prior instances of Nipah virus infection were documented in Kerala in 2018 and 2021. The first outbreak of the Nipah virus (NiV) in South India was reported in Kozhikode on May 19, 2018.

Understanding the Nipah Virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes Nipah infection as a zoonotic illness that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. The initial recognized outbreak of Nipah occurred in Malaysia, where human infections resulted from direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues. Subsequent outbreaks in Bangladesh and India were primarily linked to the consumption of fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated with urine or saliva from infected fruit bats, according to the WHO.

Symptoms of Nipah Infection

Individuals infected with Nipah typically exhibit symptoms such as fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting, and sore throat. Dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs indicating acute encephalitis may also occur. The incubation period for the virus is generally 4 to 14 days.

Severity of Nipah Infection

"Most people recover fully from Nipah infection, although some may experience residual neurological conditions following acute encephalitis. Instances of relapse have been reported," cautions the WHO. The fatality rate for severe cases ranges from 40% to 75%. In severe instances, individuals may also develop pneumonia and experience severe respiratory problems, with encephalitis and seizures occurring and potentially progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours.

Transmission of the Nipah Virus

Fruit bats serve as the natural hosts of the highly contagious Nipah virus. Transmission to humans primarily occurs through contact with infected bats and pigs, often via contaminated food. The virus can also be transmitted directly from person to person. In previous outbreaks in India, the virus was transmitted through the contaminated urine and saliva of bats. Human-to-human transmission usually occurs within family members and caregivers.