In Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts, more than 340 people have been identified to be among contacts list of two confirmed cases of the virus
The health department in Kerala has stepped up vigilance against an outbreak of Nipah virus after two positive cases of the deadly zoonotic disease were detected in three districts. According to the state health minister Veena George, a red alert has been sounded in Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts, where more than 340 people have been identified to be among the contact list of two confirmed cases of the virus.
In Malappuram district, officials are conducting intensive fieldwork to trace the origin of the outbreak and prevent further spread. Surveillance operations have been conducted in 20 wards across the panchayats of Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada.
Officials said more than 60 teams of health workers visited 1,655 households as part of door-to-door awareness campaigns and contact-tracing efforts. To manage the situation, ambulance services have been placed on standby. Fever surveillance has been intensified in the affected areas, and the health minister has emphasised the importance of providing psychological support to those under observation.
Why does Nipah spiral every year?
According to experts, mostly due to changes in wildlife behaviour and human lifestyle factors, such viruses may continue to pose a risk, making constant monitoring essential.
Most of the Nipah virus outbreaks recur in Kerala every year, primarily because of the ecology of the region. Its climate and landscape support dense fruit tree cover and a large population of fruit bats, which are the natural hosts of the virus. Changing patterns in land use, human encroachment into bat habitats, and the habit of consuming fresh fruits or toddy can increase the chance of bat-human contact.
During the monsoon season, increased moisture spoils fruits faster, making them more attractive to bats. Additionally, waterlogging and changes in local ecology during the monsoon might bring humans, bats, and domestic animals into closer contact, raising the chance of spillover.
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah virus spreads between animals and people mainly through fruit bats – also known as flying foxes – but can also spread through pigs and other animals like goats, horses, dogs, or cats. The virus spreads when:
- People or animals have contact with the bodily fluids (blood, poop, pee or saliva) of an infected animal.
- People eat foods that have been contaminated by an infected animal.
- People are in close contact with a person who has the Nipah virus, usually while caring for them.
According to doctors, the best way to avoid the Nipah virus is to avoid exposure to sick animals in areas with known transmission. This includes avoiding food products that an infected animal can contaminate, like raw date palm sap or fruit. Since the virus can spread from person to person through bodily fluids, you should avoid or take precautions when going near anyone with the Nipah virus.
The virus causes mild to severe symptoms, including encephalitis or brain infection and death. There is no medication or vaccine to treat it. Managing symptoms is the only way to treat the Nipah virus.
Signs and symptoms of the Nipah virus
The initial signs and symptoms of the Nipah virus include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Breathing difficulties or breathlessness
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Cough and sore throat
- Recurrent diarrhoea causing dehydration
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain and severe weakness
Symptoms typically begin within four to 14 days after exposure to the virus. It’s common to have a fever or headache first and develop respiratory problems like a cough and difficulty breathing later.
