In India, a 24-year-old student died of the Nipah virus in the southern state of Kerala. He became the second victim of the disease in the state since July this year – a 14-year-old boy died earlier. This was reported by Reuters, according to Komersant ukrainskyi
It is indicated that 151 people who came into contact with the victim are currently under medical supervision to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
“The student began experiencing fever symptoms on 4 September, and died five days later. Testing of his blood sample, which was sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, confirmed Nipah infection on 9 September,” the agency said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its ability to trigger an epidemic. Currently, there is neither a vaccine to prevent infection nor a drug to treat the disease caused by the virus.
“Nipah comes from fruit bats and animals such as pigs, and can cause a deadly fever that leads to brain swelling in humans,” Reuters explains.
Nipah is a rare but serious virus that is transmitted from animals. The disease can cause fever, vomiting, and acute respiratory symptoms. Severe cases can include seizures and encephalitis – inflammation of the brain – and lead to coma.