- In Kerala, three individuals have tested positive for the Nipah virus, confirmed by the National Institute of Virology, Pune on 12 September 2023.
- Among the confirmed cases, a 40-year-old man has died, and two others are undergoing treatment in Kozhikode. One of the patients is a critically ill 9-year-old boy who is on life support.
- It is suspected that a person who died last month due to comorbid conditions may have also been positive for the Nipah virus, as they were close relatives of those currently under treatment.
- Three central teams, including a mobile team from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), are scheduled to arrive in Kerala to assess the situation.
- The State Animal Husbandry and Forest Departments will conduct a survey of bat habitats as part of the response.
Nipah virus (NiV)
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease with initial symptoms including fever, headache, and respiratory issues. It can spread through infected animals, contaminated food, or person-to-person contact. First identified in Malaysia in 1999, it has caused outbreaks in Bangladesh and India.
There’s no specific treatment or vaccine, and supportive care is the main approach. The World Health Organization considers it a priority for research and development due to its potential for outbreaks.
Q.: Which of the following animal species is a natural reservoir for Nipah virus (NiV)?
A. Pigs
B. Bats
C. Dogs
D. Cows
Answer: B. Bats
