Nipah Virus Reported in Kerala

After more than three years, Kerala reported a case of zoonotic Nipah virus infection.

About Nipah Virus:

The first outbreaks of the Nipah virus amongst humans was mentioned from Malaysia (1998) and Singapore (1999).

It is a zoonotic virus, that means it has been transmitted from animals to human beings.

Fruit bats, often recognized as flying foxes, are regarded to be a natural reservoir of the virus. As we all know, fruit bats spread the virus to other animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.

Humans get contaminated usually via direct contact with these animals. The virus can additionally be passed on through food contaminated through saliva or urine of these contaminated animals or directly from person-to-person.

Symptoms consist of acute encephalitis and respiratory illnesses