India

Another victim of Nipah Virus found in Kozhikode, Kerela

Another victim of Nipah Virus found in Kozhikode, Kerela

Another life lost due to the deadly Nipah Virus(NiV) in Kozhikode of Kerela taking the death count to 11. The deceased, V Moosa (61), had already been infected with the virus and was battling for life since the past few days in a private hospital and was on ventilator support. Kozhikode district medical officer, Dr Jayasree E stated.

This is the fourth death in the Moosa family. The virus had already claimed the life of Moosa’s sons, Mohammed Saliah (28), Mohammed Sadiq (26) and a relative Mariumma.

News is being spread on social media like wildfire about the cure of the deadly virus but no expert has commented on its authenticity. To avoid being infected by the Niv one must take every precautionary measure possible and apply for regular medical checkup. Experts and reports stated that while no vaccine or cure is available at the moment but preventive measures can be a key to controlling the spread of the Virus.

The virus which is an emerging zoonosis  that causes severe disease in both animals and the humans. As quoted by the WHO, the natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.

Precautions are being taken by the authorities and individuals alike but sadly the cure for the NiV has not been found yet. The state government has also issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur from where most of the victims turned out. “Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts,” Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said.

The virus can be transferred through infected bats, pigs or humans who have been infected. In 2004, humans who consumed the date palm sap infected by fruit bats, caught the virus as well. Reports state that the virus can spread from one infected individual to a healthy person. Experts say that NiV is an airborne transmission pathogen and can affect those who come in direct contact with contaminated bodies.

 

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Aman Kumar Singh

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