A healthcare worker in Kerala, India, has been diagnosed with Nipah fever, bringing the total number of cases in the area to three. The Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with bats being the natural host. Symptoms of the virus can range from mild to severe, including acute respiratory syndrome and encephalitis. There is currently no vaccine available, so treatment involves supportive care.
So far, 77 contacts of Nipah patients have been identified as high-risk. Contact tracing maps of the two victims who passed away in Kozhikode have also been released.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday confirmed another case of the Nipah virus, taking the total number of infections in the state to five. A 24-year-old health worker at a private hospital in Kozhikode has been diagnosed with the virus.
Nipah Virus Cases: Nipah is a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans, according to WHO. However, it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly between people.
Kerala s high literacy rates facilitated educating even remote village residents about the importance of reporting symptoms to ASHA workers and women self-help groups, leading to early disease detection.