The disease is not as transmissible as COVID-19 or influenza and is unlikely to cause a huge number of infections in a short time. ‘The previous history of infections and the nature of the virus indicate that it cannot spread as fast as influenza, COVID-19 or the very infectious measles,' says Dr E Sreekumar, director of the Institute of Advanced Virology-Thiruvananthapuram.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has called for a high-level meeting after two "unnatural deaths" were reported in Kozhikode district, with health officials suspecting Nipah virus infection. The deceased individuals were admitted to a private hospital, and their close relatives are now in the Intensive Care Unit. The health department has issued an alert in the district and samples have been sent for testing. Nipah virus, which is potentially fatal, is caused by fruit bats and can lead to respiratory illness, fever, and other symptoms.