Nipah virus (NiV):
Kerala has launched a serological survey to investigate the recurring outbreaks of Nipah virus (NiV), especially in high-risk zones of northern Kerala, where the virus has reappeared for the eighth time in eight years.Nipah is a zoonotic virus that spreads from animals (mainly bats) to humans.
It causes illnesses ranging from mild respiratory issues to fatal encephalitis. The case fatality rate ranges from 40% to 75%, varying by region and healthcare response. First detected in Malaysia (1999) among pig farmers. Bangladesh reported annual outbreaks since 2001. India has seen outbreaks in West Bengal (Siliguri) and Kerala, where eight episodes have occurred since 2018.
