The Indian government has made a decision to get 20 extra doses of medicine to combat Nipah virus spread. These medications are coming from Australia. This move comes as Kerala grapples with a surge in Nipah virus In India. This has sent shockwaves across the nation.
The Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a stark warning. It emphasizes the alarming disparity in mortality rates between Nipah virus and COVID-19.
What is the deadly Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kerala?
Nipah virus is a rare and deadly zoonotic virus. It was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pigs and pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. The virus has the capacity to jump from animals to humans. Thus posing a severe public health risk.
Nipah virus infection can occur through direct contact with infected animals or their fluids. It can also occur via the consumption of contaminated food, such as fruit products tainted with urine or saliva from infected bats. Nipah has demonstrated the ability for human-to-human transmission. It is especially among close contacts and caregivers of infected individuals.
A Challenging Diagnosis
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection typically manifest within a few days to two weeks after exposure, but incubation periods as long as 45 days have been reported. These symptoms often start with fever, headache, and respiratory issues that can quickly escalate into encephalitis (brain swelling), seizures, and coma within a day or two.
Shockingly, the virus carries a mortality rate ranging from 40% to a staggering 75%, with the outcome heavily influenced by the local healthcare infrastructure and response.
Swift Action against Nipah Virus taken by the Kerala Government
Health officials in Kerala are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak, It already has claimed two lives and left three others hospitalized. Reports indicate that hundreds of individuals have undergone testing, and a series of measures have been implemented, including the closure of schools, government buildings, religious institutions, public transport, and offices in high-risk areas.
Experts have expressed particular concern about the potential for virus spillovers due to the destruction of natural bat habitats in the region, as these flying foxes are the natural hosts for Nipah.
No Approved Treatment or Vaccine Yet
Currently, there are no authorized drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus in India. Treatment primarily consists of supportive care aimed at alleviating specific symptoms as they arise. Some early-stage clinical trials are exploring the potential of immunological therapies made from monoclonal antibodies.
Additionally, the antiviral drug remdesivir, already used for other diseases, has shown promise in animal studies when administered after exposure to the virus. There is a vaccine available for Hendra virus, a close relative of Nipah, which provides some degree of protection against Nipah infection for horses in Australia.
Global Concerns and Research Priorities
WHO has classified Nipah virus as a priority pathogen. Thus emphasizing the urgent need for research and development. It is one of only ten diseases on the WHO’s list with the potential to spark the next pandemic. The problem becomes more acute because of limited countermeasures availability.
The list includes well-known threats like COVID-19, MERS, and SARS. The WHO also acknowledges “Disease X”. It is a term used for potential pathogens not yet known to cause disease in humans but capable of triggering future outbreaks.
Conclusion
Diagnosing Nipah virus spread can be a challenging try due to its nonspecific symptoms. It also has a variable incubation period. Early detection through genetic testing is essential for identifying the virus. But, access to such technology and safety protocols remains a concern. This happens particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.
As we grapple with the Nipah virus Kerala, the nation and the world watch. Thus underscoring the pressing need for further research, preparedness, and global collaboration . It is done to mitigate the risks posed by this deadly pathogen.
