NIPAH VIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A recent Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala's Palakkad district has raised concerns about the spread of this deadly disease. With a high mortality rate and no specific treatment or vaccine available, the Nipah virus

poses a significant threat to public health. As the state health authorities work to contain the outbreak, it's essential to understand the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. In this article, we'll explore the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, its impact, and the efforts being made to control it.

WHAT IS NIPAH VIRUS?
Nipah Virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans, causing severe respiratory and brain diseases. It's transmitted through contact with infected animals like bats and pigs or direct contact with an infected person. Nipah virus has a high mortality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%, and can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and encephalitis (brain inflammation). There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Nipah virus, making it a significant public health concern.

CURRENT OUTBREAKS OF NIPAH 
In Kerala, a recent outbreak has been reported, with one confirmed case of a 38-year-old woman who tested positive for Nipah virus after contact with a deceased patient. Authorities have identified 387 contacts, imposed containment zones, and closed schools as a precaution. This marks Kerala's fourth outbreak since 2018.

SYMPTOMS AND TRANSMISSION 

STMPTOMS 
- Severe respiratory illness
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Persistent fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Neurological complications

 TRANSMISSION 
    ⁃    Animal to human : Through contact with infected animals like bats and pigs
    ⁃    Human to human : Through direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, or respiratory secretions
    ⁃    Contaminated Food and Water: Consuming food or water contaminated with the virus, such as date palm sap contaminated by infected bats. 

GLOBAL INITIATIVES TO COMBAT NIPAH VIRUS 
Vaccine Development : Oxford scientists have initiated the first human trials for a potential Nipah virus vaccine, marking a significant stride in the global battle against emerging infectious diseases.

CEPI's Commitment : The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed over $100 million to Nipah programs, including advancing multiple vaccine candidates through Phase 1 clinical trials. CEPI is also allocating up to $13.38 million to support the growth of a self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccine candidate.

WHO Roadmap : The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a roadmap for Nipah virus research priorities (2024-29), outlining key milestones for advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

Global Surveillance : Health authorities have intensified their focus on Nipah virus surveillance and containment, implementing comprehensive approaches that include enhanced monitoring systems in endemic regions and strengthened international collaboration for research and surveillance.

Research and Development : Researchers are working on potential vaccines and antiviral medications, and studies are being conducted to understand the virus's transmission patterns and develop targeted interventions.

By- Amalendu k 
Student,
Journalism and Mass Communication 
Amity University Mumbai