Scientists have warned that the Nipah virus "could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic." This alarming statement comes in the wake of a second death from the 'brain-swelling' bat-borne virus, which has triggered a widespread shutdown of schools and public spaces in Kerala, South India.
A 24-year-old student became the latest victim, testing positive for Nipah virus, an extremely contagious disease that is thought to kill more than half of those infected. This tragedy follows the death of a 14-year-old boy just six miles away in June, marking a resurgence of the virus in the region.
Health officials are racing against time to contain a potential outbreak. More than 200 potential contacts have been traced and quarantined. The situation has become more complex as reports indicate that the infected student visited four hospitals while seeking treatment, leaving a trail of 267 potential contacts.
Schools and universities in the affected areas have either shut down or are enforcing strict mask-wearing policies.
Dr R Renuka, a district medical officer in Malappuram, northern Kerala, reported that the student first developed a fever on September 4 and died just five days later.
The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the Nipah infection through blood sample analysis.
Nipah virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals — typically bats and pigs — to humans. Transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. While less common, people can also contract the disease by consuming contaminated foods or through close contact with infected individuals.
The rapid spread and high mortality rate of Nipah virus make it a significant public health concern, underlining the importance of swift action and continued vigilance in affected areas.
Scientists have warned that the Nipah virus "could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic." This alarming statement comes in the wake of a second death from the 'brain-swelling' bat-borne virus, which has triggered a widespread shutdown of schools and public spaces in Kerala, South India.
A 24-year-old student became the latest victim, testing positive for Nipah virus, an extremely contagious disease that is thought to kill more than half of those infected. This tragedy follows the death of a 14-year-old boy just six miles away in June, marking a resurgence of the virus in the region.
Health officials are racing against time to contain a potential outbreak. More than 200 potential contacts have been traced and quarantined. The situation has become more complex as reports indicate that the infected student visited four hospitals while seeking treatment, leaving a trail of 267 potential contacts.
Schools and universities in the affected areas have either shut down or are enforcing strict mask-wearing policies.
Dr R Renuka, a district medical officer in Malappuram, northern Kerala, reported that the student first developed a fever on September 4 and died just five days later.
The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the Nipah infection through blood sample analysis.
Nipah virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals — typically bats and pigs — to humans. Transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. While less common, people can also contract the disease by consuming contaminated foods or through close contact with infected individuals.
The rapid spread and high mortality rate of Nipah virus make it a significant public health concern, underlining the importance of swift action and continued vigilance in affected areas.
Scientists have warned that the Nipah virus "could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic." This alarming statement comes in the wake of a second death from the 'brain-swelling' bat-borne virus, which has triggered a widespread shutdown of schools and public spaces in Kerala, South India.
A 24-year-old student became the latest victim, testing positive for Nipah virus, an extremely contagious disease that is thought to kill more than half of those infected. This tragedy follows the death of a 14-year-old boy just six miles away in June, marking a resurgence of the virus in the region.
Health officials are racing against time to contain a potential outbreak. More than 200 potential contacts have been traced and quarantined. The situation has become more complex as reports indicate that the infected student visited four hospitals while seeking treatment, leaving a trail of 267 potential contacts.
Schools and universities in the affected areas have either shut down or are enforcing strict mask-wearing policies.
Dr R Renuka, a district medical officer in Malappuram, northern Kerala, reported that the student first developed a fever on September 4 and died just five days later.
The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the Nipah infection through blood sample analysis.
Nipah virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals — typically bats and pigs — to humans. Transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. While less common, people can also contract the disease by consuming contaminated foods or through close contact with infected individuals.
The rapid spread and high mortality rate of Nipah virus make it a significant public health concern, underlining the importance of swift action and continued vigilance in affected areas.
Scientists have warned that the Nipah virus "could absolutely be the cause of a new pandemic." This alarming statement comes in the wake of a second death from the 'brain-swelling' bat-borne virus, which has triggered a widespread shutdown of schools and public spaces in Kerala, South India.
A 24-year-old student became the latest victim, testing positive for Nipah virus, an extremely contagious disease that is thought to kill more than half of those infected. This tragedy follows the death of a 14-year-old boy just six miles away in June, marking a resurgence of the virus in the region.
Health officials are racing against time to contain a potential outbreak. More than 200 potential contacts have been traced and quarantined. The situation has become more complex as reports indicate that the infected student visited four hospitals while seeking treatment, leaving a trail of 267 potential contacts.
Schools and universities in the affected areas have either shut down or are enforcing strict mask-wearing policies.
Dr R Renuka, a district medical officer in Malappuram, northern Kerala, reported that the student first developed a fever on September 4 and died just five days later.
The National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed the Nipah infection through blood sample analysis.
Nipah virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals — typically bats and pigs — to humans. Transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. While less common, people can also contract the disease by consuming contaminated foods or through close contact with infected individuals.
The rapid spread and high mortality rate of Nipah virus make it a significant public health concern, underlining the importance of swift action and continued vigilance in affected areas.
