Kerala Issues Nipah Alert Following Two 'Unnatural' Deaths: Key Details

Kerala has issued a health alert in the Kozhikode district after two individuals died under "unnatural" circumstances, raising concerns of Nipah virus (NiV) infection. The Kerala health department's action follows suspicions that the deceased might have been infected with NiV. Health Minister Veena George confirmed that the relatives of one of the deceased are also in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The two deceased individuals were receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode.

Key points about the Nipah virus and its outbreak in Kerala:

1. The first Nipah virus outbreak in southern India was reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in 2018. The district experienced another significant outbreak in 2021.
2. The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, primarily transmitted from animals to humans. It can also spread through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. Fruit bats are known carriers of the virus, and it can be fatal for both humans and animals, particularly pigs. The virus can cause severe illness and significant economic losses for farmers.
3. While the Nipah virus has caused limited outbreaks in Asia, it can infect a wide range of animals and lead to severe diseases and fatalities in humans.
4. Symptoms of Nipah virus infection are similar to those of COVID-19 and include cough, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, fatigue, encephalitis (brain swelling), headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion, and seizures.
5. There is no specific treatment available for Nipah virus infection, so prevention is crucial. Precautions include avoiding the consumption of fallen fruits, refraining from feeding pigs and preventing contact with fruit bats.

The health department's swift response and vigilance are essential to contain the potential spread of the Nipah virus and protect the population in Kozhikode.

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