Bats not primary source of Nipah outbreak in Kerala: Report
Samples collected from bats in Kerala's Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, where 12 people have died of Nipah infection, have tested negative for the virus, according to a report submitted the Health Ministry today. The report has ruled out bats and pigs as the primary source of the Nipah outbreak. The medical team is now looking into other possible reasons behind the outbreak.
A total of 21 samples of different animals sent
A total of 21 samples, including seven species of bats, two species of pigs, one bovine and one caprine, were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal and the National Institute of Virology in Pune. "The samples of the bats found in Kerala's Perambra area, where the initial death was reported have tested negative," a Health Ministry official said.
Negative results from both samples of bats and humans
Samples from humans suspected of contracting Nipah virus have tested negative. "Which means there are only 15 confirmed cases which include 12 deaths. Three persons are undergoing treatment," the official said. The samples from bats found dead in Himachal Pradesh, which were sent to the Pune institute, have been found negative and the two samples of suspected cases from Hyderabad were also negative.
Don't panic, outbreak localized to Kerala: Health Ministry
The Health Ministry has urged people not to panic, asserting that the outbreak is "localized" to Kerala. It has issued advisories to the general public and healthcare providers to adopt preventive measures. The central team led by the NCDC director is constantly reviewing the situation in Kerala. The team has fine-tuned the draft guidelines, general public information and for sample collection and transportation accordingly.
What is Nipah virus?
Nipah virus is a newly-emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in animals and humans. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus, are believed to be the virus's natural hosts. At present, there's no vaccine or drug to treat NiV infection in humans or animals.
Contact-tracing strategy successful; Kozhikode and Mallapuram on high alert
The contact-tracing strategy has been successful, the Health Ministry said, adding that it has been found that all the reported cases had a direct or indirect contact with the first casualty prior to contracting the disease. Kozhikode and Malappuram have been put on "high alert". Authorities have been set up facilities to screen suspected cases at exit and entry points of the districts.
Previous cases of Nipah virus in India
Nipah virus cases were previously reported from West Bengal's Siliguri in 2001 and Nadia district in 2007. A total of 47 deaths were reported from the two districts.
