Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala

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Nipah Virus Outbreaks in Kerala

The Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala refer to the series of epidemic occurrences of the Nipah virus in the Indian state of Kerala. Pronounced as /ˈniːpə/, the term "Nipah" is derived from Sungai Nipah, a village in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan, where the first outbreak was reported in 1998.

History

The first outbreak of the Nipah virus in Kerala was reported in 2018, followed by another in 2019. The virus is named after the Malaysian village where it was first discovered, and it primarily affects humans and other mammals.

Transmission

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The primary host of the virus is the fruit bat of the genus Pteropus, also known as the flying fox. Humans can contract the virus through direct contact with infected animals or by consuming food contaminated by the animals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the Nipah virus infection include fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, and potentially fatal encephalitis and pneumonia. The virus has a high mortality rate, with death occurring in 40-75% of cases.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of Nipah virus outbreaks involve interrupting the virus's transmission from its animal host to humans. This can be achieved through measures such as avoiding consumption of raw palm sap and contact with sick pigs or bats, and implementing strict infection control practices in healthcare settings.

Related Terms

External links

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