The Nipah virus has killed two people in India during their fourth outbreak of the virus. Image credit: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Image Gallery, Flickr
Health officials in India’s southern state of Kerala are on high alert after two died from a recent outbreak of the Nipah virus.
The outbreak has sparked the testing of hundreds of people over the last few days.
It is believed that two adults and one child are in hospital after testing positive for the virus.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed on Wednesday that the Nipah virus had been found in the Kozhikode district.
“We should not be afraid, but face this situation with caution,” he said in a statement posted to social media.
“Everyone should be prepared to strictly follow the instructions of the health department and the police and fully cooperate with the restrictions.”
This is Kerala’s fourth outbreak in five years — the first outbreak caused widespread panic and killed 21 of the 23 people infected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the Nipah virus can spread to people from infected animals, food, or close contact with an infected person.
It has a fatality rate of 40 to 75 per cent and there is currently no vaccine available.
Treatment is limited and involves hydration, rest, and treating symptoms as they occur.
Symptoms appear 4–14 days after exposure to the virus and typically include headache, fever, sore throat, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Brain swelling (encephalitis) can occur and more severe symptoms may follow.
The state’s health minister, Veena George, confirmed that there are more than 700 people identified as close contacts of the virus.
“We are testing human beings… and at the same time experts are collecting fluid samples from forested areas that could be the hotspot for the spread,” George said.
“We are in a stage of hypervigilance and detection.”
The World Health Organization is currently working with affected countries to help manage the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
