Fresh Nipah virus case reported in Kerala

A Nipah virus case has once again put Kerala's health authorities on alert after the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed an infection in a 43-year-old man undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

The patient is currently being treated in a specially prepared isolation ward and remains in critical condition on ventilator support. As health officials continue contact tracing and monitor the situation, many people are once again asking the same questions: What exactly is Nipah virus, how does it spread and what symptoms should people watch out for?

According to Dr Dip Narayan Mukherjee, Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease,



which means it can spread from animals to humans.

The virus is primarily carried by fruit bats and is considered a serious infection.

Dr Mukherjee explained that people usually become infected through contaminated food products.

"The primary route of infection is the consumption of fruit or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, that contain urine or saliva from sick fruit bats," he said.

He also noted that the virus can spread through close contact between infected individuals.

According to the doctor, animals including pigs, dogs, cats, sheep and horses can also become infected.