India Records Two Cases of the Serious “Nipah” Virus
An official from the Indian National Institute of Virology announced on Tuesday the registration of two deaths due to the Nipah virus in the Kerala state.
The official, requesting anonymity, mentioned that one person died earlier this month, while the other died on August 30th.
He added that two other individuals from the same family are suspected of being infected, and their samples have been sent for analysis. He further stated that the Virology Institute has submitted the report to the federal health ministry.
The deadly Nipah virus, which damages the brain, was first detected in 1999 during an outbreak that affected pig farmers and those in direct contact with them in Malaysia and Singapore.
The Nipah virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected bats, pigs, or humans.
The Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2018 claimed the lives of 17 people, and it has recurred several times in the same state, including in 2021. There is no treatment or vaccines available for this virus.
Reuters reported that mass screenings will begin in the area where the latest two cases were detected, and measures have been taken to implement isolation procedures.
