16 September 2023, Mumbai: Nipah virus outbreak has recently caused a significant concern in India, particularly in Kerala, where at least 12 people fell ill and 3 died from the disease. In response to the situation, The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued a statement confirming the high fatality rate of the virus and its potential to spread through droplets.
High Fatality Rate of Nipah Virus
According to ICMR, between 40 to 70 percent of people who contract Nipah virus may die from the infection. This statistic is alarming, considering there is no specific treatment or cure available for the disease. Hence, prevention through measures like early detection and contact tracing become crucial in controlling its spread.
Modes of Transmission
Nipah virus can spread from animals to humans or between humans. Bats are the primary natural host of the virus, and humans can contract the infection through direct contact with infected bats or their excreta. Humans can also acquire Nipah virus by consuming fruits or vegetables contaminated by bat excreta.
The virus can also spread between humans, especially in crowded settings like hospitals and homes, through direct contact with infected people’s secretions and bodily fluids. Now, ICMR has confirmed that Nipah virus can also transmit through respiratory droplets, which makes it highly contagious.
Prevention and Control Measures
The ICMR recommends various measures to prevent and control the spread of Nipah virus. These include:
1. Avoiding direct contact with bats or their excreta
2. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently
3. Wearing personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns while attending to infected people
4. Isolating infected individuals and conduct contact tracing of their close contacts
5. Discarding any fruits or vegetables that may have come into contact with animals or their excreta.