Nipah claims one life in Kerala; Maharashtra reports 28 Zika cases in 2024
A teenager, aged 14, from Chembrassery in Malappuram district of Kerala passed away due to Nipah virus at a public medical facility on Sunday. The boy was hospitalized on July 20.
As per the state officials, he suffered a heart attack and passed away at approximately 11:30 in the morning.
The health minister mentioned that three of his family members are being observed at Manjeri Medical College hospital, with one person receiving intensive care.
A 14-year-old boy from Mallapuram showed symptoms of AES and was taken to a hospital in Perinthalmanna before being moved to a bigger hospital in Kozhikode. Unfortunately, the boy later died from the illness. Samples were sent to NIV, Pune, which confirmed that he had a Nipah virus infection, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
A team of experts from the National 'One Health Mission' of the Union Health Ministry will work together to assist Kerala in investigating the case, finding connections between different cases, and offering technical support.
A 68-year-old male from Malappuram showing symptoms of Nipah virus has been hospitalized at Kozhikode Medical College. He is in critical condition and is said to have no connection to the initial patient.
Explore Further In This Section
This marks the fifth occurrence of Nipah virus in Kerala. The initial outbreak took place in 2018 and resulted in the loss of 17 lives. The virus resurfaced in 2019 in Ernakulam, infecting one individual. In 2020, one person succumbed to the illness in Kozhikode. Another outbreak occurred in 2023, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the infection of four others.
The Nipah virus is a disease that can be passed from animals like bats and pigs to humans. It can also be spread by coming into contact with someone who is already infected, but this way of getting sick is not as common.
Currently, there is growing concern about contagious diseases spreading throughout the country, especially in Maharashtra where there have been 28 cases of Zika reported this year, the most since 2021. Out of these cases, 24 were in Pune. The Zika virus is mainly spread through the bite of a mosquito from the Aedes genus in tropical and subtropical areas.
The state of Maharashtra has confirmed 34 cases of Zika virus, with Pune district being the most affected with 28 cases as of July 19. The government is working hard to control the spread of the virus. They are increasing monitoring efforts by establishing centers every 3-5 kilometers in areas with cases, where they will conduct surveys and collect blood samples for rapid detection of fever cases, as stated by the health department.
Pregnant women are having their blood samples collected and analyzed to check for Zika virus infection. This virus can lead to birth defects and other issues for the baby during pregnancy.
The Zika virus, a type of virus transmitted by mosquitoes, was first identified in 1947 after being found in a rhesus monkey in Uganda's Zika forest. Outbreaks of the virus have occurred frequently in regions of Africa and South America.
What does the term Nipah refer to?
A contagious illness that primarily impacts animals like bats, pigs, dogs, and horses. As a zoonotic sickness, it can be passed on to people who have close contact with the infected animals and lead to severe illness.
The Center has recommended the following urgent health measures for the general public.
Looking for people who may have the virus in the confirmed case's family, the surrounding neighborhood, and places that are similar in terms of geography.
Active monitoring of contacts within the last 12 days.
Stringent confinement for those who have been in contact with the person with the virus, and separation of anyone who is suspected of being infected.
Gathering and moving samples for laboratory analysis.
