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The Kerala health department sent out a warning in Kozhikode because they suspected that two individuals who passed away from unusual causes in the district might have contracted the Nipah virus (NiV).

Facts About:

Nipah virus infection is an illness that can be passed from animals to humans.

• The virus responsible for Nipah Virus encephalitis is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family and Henipavirus genus.
• It is closely related to the Hendra virus.

This virus first emerged in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999.

• Initially, it was detected in domestic pigs but has since been found in various domestic animals, including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.

Transmission:

The disease is transmitted through fruit bats, often referred to as 'flying foxes,' specifically those belonging to the Pteropus genus.

• These bats are natural hosts for both Nipah and Hendra viruses.
• The virus is present in bat urine and, potentially, in bat feces, saliva, and birthing fluids.

Symptoms:

• Typically, when humans become infected, they experience symptoms resembling encephalitis, which include fever, headaches, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, coma, and sometimes even death.

Treatment: Currently, there is no specific treatment available for this virus.