Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala leads to school shutdowns

A Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, India, has led to significant public health concerns following the death of a 24-year-old student. This incident marks the second fatality linked to the virus in recent months, with a 14-year-old boy having died earlier in June. The Nipah virus, which is transmitted from bats to humans, can cause severe symptoms including fever and brain swelling, and has a high mortality rate, prompting health authorities to take immediate action. In response to the outbreak, over 200 individuals identified as potential contacts of the deceased student are now under quarantine. The student had visited multiple hospitals while seeking treatment, raising alarms about the potential spread of the virus. Educational institutions in the region have either closed or mandated mask-wearing to mitigate risks. The World Health Organisation has classified Nipah as a priority pathogen due to its alarming fatality rate and potential for rapid transmission. Previous outbreaks have shown a mortality rate exceeding 50%, with a devastating 90% death rate recorded in Kerala in 2018. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation, as the incubation period for the virus can range from 4 to 14 days, with some cases reported as long as 45 days. Despite the grim circumstances, Kerala's Health Ministry has reported that the majority of tests conducted have returned negative results. However, authorities remain vigilant, aware that the situation could evolve, and are prepared to implement further measures to protect public health.