In a tragic development, a 14-year-old boy has died from the Nipah virus in southwest India, prompting authorities to implement urgent measures to prevent a potential outbreak of this highly dangerous virus.Approximately 100 individuals who had contact with the boy have been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure. Health officials in Kerala, the affected Indian state, have advised the public to wear masks in public spaces and avoid contact with vulnerable populations to curb the spread of the virus.Origins and transmission of Nipah virusThe Nipah virus, often referred to as the horror virus, originates in bats but can be transmitted to humans. It can also spread via pigs. The virus poses a high risk of death due to the absence of a vaccine.Nipah virus cases have been reported in countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. With its potential pandemic characteristics, the virus is under close surveillance by virologists worldwide.Concerns of human-to-human transmissionBelgian virologist Marc Van Ranst, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, expressed concerns about the possibility of human-to-human transmission. “Lately, we have been seeing people coughing more when they have Nipah. That could indicate that human-to-human transmission is possible. If Nipah can be easily transmitted from human to human, we are in for a big problem. Right now, that is not the case, but that could change. That is why we are taking this so seriously,” Van Ranst explained.
