NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NIPAH VIRUS INFECTION: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: Kerala on alert as teenager dies of nipah infection

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS:

Origin and Discovery

  • First Identified: 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.
  • First Outbreak: Involved pigs and pig farmers.

Virus Characteristics

  • Family: Paramyxoviridae.
  • Genus: Henipavirus.
  • Reservoir: Fruit bats of the Pteropus genus.

Transmission

  • Animal to Human: Direct contact with infected animals (mainly bats and pigs).
  • Human to Human: Close contact with infected persons, bodily fluids.
  • Consumption: Eating contaminated fruits or date palm sap.

 Symptoms

  • Incubation Period: 4-14 days.
  • Initial Symptoms: Fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness.
  • Severe Symptoms: Encephalitis, seizures, altered mental state, coma.

Mortality and Impact

  • Mortality Rate: 40% to 75%, varies by outbreak.
  • Impact: Causes severe illness and has a high fatality rate.

Notable Outbreaks:

  • Malaysia (1998-1999): Affected pig farmers.
  • Bangladesh (2001 onwards): Periodic outbreaks with high mortality.
  • India (Kerala, 2018, 2019, 2021): Sporadic outbreaks with significant impact.

Prevention and Control

  • No Vaccine: Currently, no specific vaccine for humans or animals.

Preventive Measures:

  • Avoiding exposure to bats and sick pigs.
  • Avoiding consumption of contaminated fruits.
  • Implementing good personal hygiene and using protective equipment.
  • Management: Supportive care, intensive supportive care for severe cases.

Global Health Concern

  • WHO Status: Listed as a priority disease by WHO for research and development due to its epidemic potential.
  • One Health Approach: Emphasized due to its zoonotic nature, requiring collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

Research and Development

  • Understanding virus ecology and transmission.
  • Development of diagnostic tools, antiviral drugs, and vaccines.
  • Strengthening surveillance systems.

Key Organizations Involved

  • World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • National Institute of Virology (NIV), India.
  • International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

Recent Developments

  • Research Initiatives: Ongoing efforts to develop effective treatments and vaccines.
  • Public Awareness: Increased awareness and preparedness in regions prone to outbreaks.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/nipah-virus-in-malappuram-infected-boy-under-treatment-dead-says-health-minister-veena-george/article68428654.ece