Why is the Nipah virus so deadly? Mumbai doctors delve into the deadly virus

Updated On: 01 August, 2024 12:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto

As Kerala is acting on possible cases of Nipah virus after it witnessed the first death earlier this week, surrounding states have also shared guidelines. While Mumbai is far away from ground zero, Mumbai doctors say it is important to be cautious especially while buying and eating fruits

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Earlier this week, Kerala reported its first death from Nipah virus - a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram, who was undergoing treatment for it. It is the first death, but the state has already taken it seriously. In the latest development, the state’s health minister Veena George stated that 16 out of the 58 samples that were tested for the virus have come back negative. In a ripple effect, neighbouring states have also issued guidelines. While there are border check posts set up between Kerala and Tamil Nadu to avoid the spread of the virus in the state, Karnataka has also issued an advisory stating that people should avoid travelling to the affected areas unless absolutely necessary. But why is this becoming so serious?

According to the World Health Organization, the first outbreak of Nipah Virus (NiV) was reported in 1999 in Malaysia among pig farmers. It was followed by outbreaks in Singapore, Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal and Kerala since then. Known to affect countries in Southeast Asia, one of the first cases of Nipah virus in India was found in 2001 in West Bengal and there have been several outbreaks after that. Over the years, Kerala has become a hotspot for the virus with the first case being reported in 2018, followed by cases in 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024, according to media reports.

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Home / Lifestyle / Health & Fitness / Article / Why is the Nipah virus so deadly? Mumbai doctors delve into the deadly virus