New Delhi: A 15-year-old boy has been admitted to a hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala, as on Friday after showing Nipah virus-like symptoms. The patient’s samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for final confirmation and diagnosis of the virus. Official sources said that the condition of the patient from Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district is now stable and steps are being taken as per protocol to curb the virus from wreaking havoc in the state. Nipah virus was first reported in Kerala in 2018 when it caused 17 deaths. Since then, three outbreaks for the infection have been reported. In 2023, two patients had passed away by the time the infection was diagnosed. In 2019 and 2021, one case each was reported in Ernakulam and Kozhikode – in one of the patients died from it.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection which can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with an infected patient or through contaminated food. In an infected patient, the same is likely to cause respiratory diseases. The infection is so far known to cause only a few known outbreaks in Asia. Yet, it is still a cause of concern and humans infections caused by it may cause acute respiratory infections.
What are the symptoms of Nipah virus?
Nipah virus infecton starts with a fever and then progresses through dizziness and drowsiness and respiratory distress. Within 24 to 48 hours, it can progress to coma. The infection has an incubation period from four to 14 days. However, it can also have an incubation period of 45 hours. The symptoms of Nipah virus are:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headaches
Sore throat
Fever
Muscle pain
Acute encephalitis
Pneumonia
Seizures
Doctors say that in most cases, patients of acute encephalitis make a full recovery. However, 20% patients were left with health problems like seizures and personality changes.
Nipah virus was first reported in Kerala in 2018 when it caused 17 deaths. Since then, three outbreaks for the infection have been reported. In 2023, two patients had passed away by the time the infection was diagnosed. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
