India: Nipah virus leaves nine dead in Kerala as of May 21

Event

An ongoing Nipah virus outbreak has left at least nine people dead in Kerala state as of Monday, May 21. At least 25 others have reportedly been hospitalized with symptoms of the Nipah virus in Kozhikode district. State officials have advised residents to remain vigilant for symptoms and spread of the disease. Authorities are expected to take preventive health measures to curb the spread of the disease in the near-term; despite such measures, additional cases of the disease are expected to be reported in the coming weeks.

Context

Nipah virus infection, 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 available.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas who are exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Monitor developments to the situation, avoid contact with wild and stray animals (i.e. bats and swine), and avoid drinking raw date palm sap which may be contaminated by fruit bats carrying the disease.