1. Nipah Virus

Current Context: Recently, with two reported deaths and 4 confirmed cases of viral infection, Kozhikode district of Kerala recorded a return of Nipah Virus. 

What is Nipah Virus Disease?

• Nipah is a viral infection that primarily affects the animals like bats, dogs, pigs, horses etc. 
• The virus is of Zoonotic nature, that is, it can also infect humans when they come in contact with the infected animals, thereby causing serious disease. 
• Biologically, Nipah virus (NiV) is a RNA virus belonging to genus Henipavirus and family Paramyxoviridae. 
• This virus is transmitted primarily by Pteropus spp (a specific types of fruit bats).

Symptoms:

• The virus is known to cause fever and Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) which is followed by several other complications such as headache, difficulty in breathing, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and muscular pain. 
• In severe cases, this encephalitis may further result in disorientation and seizures and even death of the patient. 

Treatment:

• Currently, there is no treatment for this disease however, the primary treatment includes intensive supportive care.