Kerala is witnessing an outbreak of Nipah virus and the disease has already claimed two lives in the state
Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus which can be transmitted to humans from animals (such as bats or pigs), or contaminated foods and can also be transmitted directly from human-to-human
It was first discovered in 1999 following an outbreak of disease in pigs and people in Malaysia and Singapore.
The outbreak of the 1999 Nipah Virus resulted in more than 100 deaths and over 1 million pigs were killed to help control the spread of the deadly disease
To stay safe from Nipah virus, follow these steps as instructed by Centre for Disease Control & Prevention-
1. Practice handwashing regularly with soap and water
2. Avoid contact with sick bats or pigs
3. Avoid areas where bats are known to roost
4. Avoid eating or drinking products that could be contaminated by bats, such as raw date palm sap, raw fruit, or fruit that is found on the ground
5. Avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of any person known to be infected with NiV