India: Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala state /update 2

Event

According to health officials, at least 13 confirmed cases of Nipah virus, including 11 fatalities, have been reported in recent weeks in Kerala state. Officials have expressed fears that the virus has spread to Karnataka state, where two suspected cases have been reported as of May 23. Authorities are expected to take preventive health measures to curb the spread of the disease in the near-term, although additional cases are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Nipah virus, first identified in 1998, is a disease carried by fruit bats that can induce fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion. Individuals suffering such symptoms can fall into a coma within 24-48 hours. The viral infection has a reported mortality rate of 70 percent. There is no vaccine.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas who are exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Monitor developments to the situation and avoid drinking raw date palm sap, which can be contaminated by fruit bats carrying the disease.