Nipah virus-infected Indian teen dies in Kerala

A 14-year-old boy, who was diagnosed with the Nipah virus, died in Kerala on Saturday, officials said on Sunday.

According to reports, the boy suffered a massive cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

“He was on ventilator support. The urine output had reduced this morning. After a massive cardiac arrest, the revival efforts failed and he passed away at 11.30 am,” Kerala Health Minister Veena George told India Today.

The minister said his last rites would be performed as per medical protocols.

A multi-member joint outbreak response team from the National ‘One Health Mission’ of Union Health Ministry will be deployed to support the state in investigating the case, identifying epidemiological linkages, and providing technical assistance.

Additionally, at the state’s request, ICMR had sent monoclonal antibodies for patient management, and a mobile BSL-3 laboratory for testing additional samples from contacts has arrived in Kozhikode.

The Monoclonal Antibodies had reached before the patient died but could not be used due to his poor general condition.

“It is important to note that outbreaks of Nipah Virus Disease (NiVD) have been reported in Kerala in the past, with the most recent one occurring in 2023 in the Kozhikode district,” read the statement issued by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

How human beings can be infected by the virus?

Fruit bats are the usual reservoir of the virus, and humans can become infected by accidentally consuming bat-contaminated fruits.

The case fatality rate is estimated at 40 percent to 75 percent, as per WHO website.

The Centre has advised the following immediate public health measures to be taken by the State government:

Active case search in the family of the confirmed case, the neighbourhood, and areas with similar topography.

Active contact tracing (for any contacts) during past 12 days.

Strict quarantine of the contacts of the case and isolation of any suspects.

Collection and transportation of samples for lab testing.

What are the signs of symptoms of the disease?

Human infections range from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory infection (mild, severe), and fatal encephalitis.

Infected people initially develop symptoms, including fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting and sore throat. This can be followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours, reads the WHO website on the disease.

The incubation period (interval from infection to the onset of symptoms) is believed to range from 4 to 14 days.

However, an incubation period may be extended up to 45 days.

Is there any treatment for the disease?

There are currently no drugs or vaccines specified for the disease.