Kerala on Alert Following Possible Nipah Virus Case in Kozhikode

Key facts

• A 43-year-old man from Kozhikode district, Kerala, has tested preliminary positive for the Nipah virus (NiV).
• Samples from the patient have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.
• NiV is a zoonotic virus with fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, serving as the natural reservoir.
• The virus can cause encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain, and can infect pigs and humans.
• Prevention measures include avoiding contact with sick pigs and bats and refraining from consuming raw date palm sap.