In the southern Indian state of Kerala, authorities have implemented urgent measures to contain the spread of the rare and deadly Nipah virus, which has already claimed two lives, Reuters reported. The virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats, pigs, or humans. More than 700 people are being tested for the virus, and strict isolation rules have been enforced. Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, urged people to avoid public gatherings in the Kozhikode district for the next 10 days.
"We are focusing on tracing contacts of infected persons early and isolating anyone with symptoms,"
said state Health Minister Veena George, adding that antivirals and monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat infected individuals.
The Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, affecting pig farmers and individuals in close contact with pigs. Outbreaks are sporadic, and previous infections in South Asia have occurred when people consumed date-palm sap contaminated with bat excreta.
Kerala has experienced several Nipah outbreaks, with the first in 2018 resulting in 21 out of 23 infected individuals losing their lives. Subsequent outbreaks in 2019 and 2021 led to two fatalities. The current outbreak has led to containment zones being declared in at least eight villages in Kozhikode.
Neighboring Tamil Nadu state has implemented measures to test travelers arriving from Kerala and isolate those with flu symptoms.
A Reuters investigation in May identified Kerala as one of the places most at risk globally for outbreaks of bat viruses due to extensive deforestation and urbanization that have brought people and wildlife into closer contact.
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