Kerala faces emergency situation with suspected Nipah virus deaths

The Kerala Health Department has sounded the alarm bells with two “unnatural deaths” reportedly caused by the notorious Nipah virus in Kozhikode district. This life-threatening situation unfolded at a private hospital, and now a relative of one of the deceased is in the ICU, gasping for life.

The Kerala Health Minister, in an indirect statement, revealed that she convened an urgent high-stakes meeting with her teams to evaluate this looming health crisis in Kozhikode district. The tension is palpable, as this is not the first time the Nipah virus has reared its ugly head in Kerala; two horrifying outbreaks took place in 2018 and 2021, leaving 17 people dead out of 23 reported cases during the first wave.

What is the Nipah Virus and Why Should You Be Terrified?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the Nipah virus as a zoonotic illness, meaning it’s transmitted from animals to humans. But hold your breath; it doesn’t stop there. This lethal virus can spread through contaminated food or even from person to person, causing not just fatal diseases in humans but affecting animals as well. And if you think COVID-19 was bad, the symptoms of the Nipah virus include cough, sore throat, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, tiredness, swelling of the brain, headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion, and seizures.

Economic Fallout: Not Just a Health Crisis

According to the WHO, the Nipah virus can lead to dire economic consequences. Imagine this: Your livestock such as pigs can also fall victim to this catastrophic virus, spelling massive economic losses for farmers.

There’s no sugarcoating it; there’s no definitive treatment for the virus as of now. The only glimmer of hope? Certain precautions like avoiding fruits fallen on the ground, steering clear of feeding pigs, and keeping a safe distance from fruit bats could make a difference.