Epidemic health warning after pig disease kills 14-year-old boy in India
A health alert has been issued after a boy died from the Nipah virus - a zoonotic disease that can be spread by pigs that has high epidemic potential.
A health warning has been issued after a 14-year-old boy tragically died from a zoonotic disease which can be transmitted by pigs - and has the potential to trigger an epidemic.
The teenager, from Pandikkad in Kerala, India, sadly lost his life to the Nipah virus on Sunday, just one day after being diagnosed, according to reports. Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that those who had contact with the boy have been isolated.
George also revealed that an additional 60 individuals are considered high-risk for contracting the virus. Local residents have been urged to exercise caution and wear face masks in public. They've also been advised against visiting hospitalised loved ones.
The Nipah virus is a "zoonotic illness" that can be passed from animals like pigs or fruit bats to humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can also spread through contaminated food or direct contact with an infected person, reports the Mirror.
The WHO categorises the virus as a priority pathogen due to its potential to trigger an epidemic. Since its first recorded case in Kerala in 2018, the Nipah virus has been linked to numerous deaths.
Certain regions within the state are believed to be the most vulnerable globally to the infection. According to a report by Reuters, experts have discovered that Kerala provides the "perfect conditions for a virus like Nipah to emerge" due to factors such as rapid deforestation and urbanisation.
They explained that animals are living closer to humans due to loss of habitat, which can accelerate transmission. The state government had previously announced plans to devise an action plan to prevent an outbreak. In 2023, the state was forced to close schools and offices after five cases of the disease were confirmed, as reported by the BBC.
What are the symptoms of Nipah?
Those infected with the disease may initially experience symptoms such as a sore throat or headache before the condition progressively worsens.
The World Health Organisation's website states: "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."
