Nipha virus

Nipha virus : Kerala recently reported a fresh case of Nipah virus infection, signaling the state's renewed struggle with the rare but deadly zoonotic virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential to trigger epidemics.

• About Nipah virus : According to WHO, the Nipah virus infection is a newly emerging zoonosis, that is, a disease transmitted from animals to humans.

o The virus, which primarily spreads through fruit bats and contaminated food, poses a significant public health threat due to its rapid progression and lack of specific treatment

o Zoonotic pathogen: Zoonotic pathogen known for its high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission.

o Family: The virus belongs to a new genus termed Henipavirus (subfamily Paramyxovirinae).

o Origin: First identified in Malaysia in 1998; outbreaks have since occurred in South and Southeast Asia, including India and Bangladesh.

o Transmission: Through contact with infected bats, pigs, or humans; often via contaminated fruits or bodily fluids.

o Symptoms: Fever, headache, respiratory issues, followed by encephalitis (brain inflammation) in severe cases.

o Fatality Rate: Can range from 40% to 75% depending on outbreak conditions and response.

• Recent Developments: State health departments in vulnerable regions such as Kerala and West Bengal have activated rapid response teams .

o Guidelines issued for infection control, hospital isolation protocols, and community awareness .

o WHO and ICMR are monitoring the situation closely, with efforts to expedite vaccine research and diagnostics .