Nipah virus in Kerala, worrying neighboring States

The death of a 12-year-old boy from the Nipah virus at a hospital in Kerala has created new challenges for the state, which is grappling with rising coronavirus cases.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to infected pigs or bats, and the incubation period for Nipah virus is usually 4 to 14 days. A person’s well-being can quickly deteriorate.

“A 12-year-old boy died of Nipah virus infection in Kozhokode district of Kerala on September 3. Since Dakshina Kannada district shares its border with Kerala and a large number of people commute for health and education purposes, a Nipah alert has been announced. Officials concerned should take all necessary precautionary measures,” the DC said.

The Nipah virus is back to haunt us while people are still learning to adapt to the new normal set by the Covid19 pandemic. The recurrence of infection has spread to parts of Kozhikode and Malapuram in the southern state.

 “The samples of parents and healthcare workers, who were symptomatic, have been tested negative. It’s a moment of relief that the results of those who were in close contact with the child came out negative,” State Health Minister Veena George said.