A 14-year-old boy has died in Kerala, India, after contracting the Nipah virus, a pathogen that raises alarms in the scientific community due to its potential for a pandemic. Transmitted primarily by bats, the virus causes inflammation of the brain and has a mortality rate of up to 75%.
The young boy suffered a cardiac arrest following the infection. In addition, around 60 individuals in the same state have been classified as “high risk” after potentially coming into contact with the virus, which can lead to a deadly fever and serious neurological issues.
Veena George, the Health Minister of Kerala, announced over the weekend that the government is taking steps to identify and isolate affected individuals. Dr. Anoop Kumar, the head of intensive care medicine at Aster MIMS Hospital in Calicut, confirmed a positive case of Nipah in a school student. He is closely monitoring those who had close contact with the patient, stating that the chances of an outbreak occurring at this stage are minimal. However, he emphasized that the situation will be monitored over the next seven to ten days.
Scientists note that while Nipah is not as easily transmissible as some other viruses, the threat of a new, more virulent strain cannot be overlooked. Authorities have identified 214 people who had contact with the teenager, out of which 60 are considered high-risk, meaning they have a greater likelihood of severe illness should they contract the virus.
Family members of the infected teenager have been kept under observation at a local hospital, and others potentially at risk have been advised to self-isolate at home. The Nipah virus, which is zoonotic, can spread from animals—typically bats and pigs—to humans through direct contact with bodily fluids like blood or saliva. It can also be contracted by consuming contaminated food or through close contact with infected individuals, although these modes of transmission are rarer.
The Nipah virus can quickly attack both the respiratory system and the central nervous system, with a mortality rate that can reach as high as 75%. Among survivors, approximately 20% may suffer from long-term neurological complications, including personality changes or seizure disorders. Dr. Rebecca Dutch, a leading expert in the field from the University of Kentucky, pointed out that the mortality rate for Nipah varies between 45% and 75% depending on the outbreak, making it significantly deadlier than COVID-19.
Experts regard Nipah as a contender for causing a future pandemic. The World Health Organization has categorized it as a “priority pathogen” due to its pandemic potential. The virus is commonly observed in Bangladesh, where outbreaks occur nearly every year, and parts of Kerala have been identified as high-risk areas globally. While Dr. Dutch noted that there are currently no outbreaks worldwide, she warned that these events can happen sporadically and it’s “extremely likely” there will be more.
Dr. Jonathan Epstein, vice president of science and outreach at EcoHealth Alliance, expressed concern regarding the genetic diversity of Nipah-related viruses in bats. The fear is that a more transmissible strain could emerge. The United States classifies Nipah as a Category C bioterrorism threat, indicating that it could potentially be engineered for widespread dissemination in the future. Currently, there are no treatments or vaccines available for Nipah.
The WHO identifies Nipah as one of the top ten most dangerous pathogens with the potential to cause a public health emergency. Furthermore, a study published last year highlighted that Kerala’s rapid urbanization and deforestation have created ideal conditions for the emergence of viruses like Nipah. Experts believe that habitat loss is causing animals to live closer to humans, thereby increasing the chances of zoonotic transmission. In response, the local government recently announced plans to prevent a Nipah outbreak, having already closed schools and offices this year after confirming five cases.
Source: https://www.perfil.com/noticias/salud/india-chico-14-anos-murio-contraer-virus-nipah-cientificos-advirtieron-podria-causa-nueva-pandemia.phtml
