New Delhi –
India recorded two deaths as a result rare Nipah virus in the state territory Kerala. In an effort to control the spread of the deadly virus, Kerala authorities closed a number of schools and offices, and suspended public transportation operations in the region.
As reported ReutersWednesday (13/9/2023), an official from the National Institute of Virology, who declined to be named, said that one person died this month due to the Nipah virus and another person died on August 30 due to the same virus.
The official added that two other people, one adult and one child, from the same family, are also suspected of being infected with the Nipah virus and their samples have been sent for further testing.
The National Institute of Virology, the official said, had sent its report to India’s Federal Ministry of Health.
The Nipah virus, which is deadly and damages the brain, is transmitted to humans through direct contact with the body fluids of infected bats, pigs or other humans. This virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak of disease that attacked pig farmers and people who had close contact with pigs in Malaysia and Singapore.
There is no treatment or vaccine to ward off the virus.
Mass testing will be carried out in regions where the latest cases were discovered and some quarantine measures have been implemented. So far, more than 130 people have been tested for the virus.
“We are focusing on contact tracing of infected people early and isolating anyone who has symptoms,” Kerala state Health Minister Veena George said in a statement to reporters.
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(nvc/ita)
2023-09-13 09:43:32
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