Nipah Virus in Bats- 789 Suspects keep under watch in Kerala
Health, Important for GS paper-2
It is a zoonotic virus, meaning that people may contract it from animals.
The Nipah virus, also known as the RNA virus or ribonucleic acid virus, is closely related to the Hendra virus and belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae.
HeV infection is an uncommon and rapidly spreading zoonosis that affects both people and horses and frequently results in death. In 1998 and 1999, Malaysia and Singapore had its initial outbreak.
Several domestic animal species, including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep, have been found to have it, including domestic pigs, which are where it initially emerged.
Transmission
Fruit bats, sometimes known as “flying foxes,” of the genus Pteropus, act as the disease’s primary vectors because they serve as the Nipah and Hendra viruses’ natural reservoir hosts. The virus can be found in bat pee, as well as perhaps in faeces, saliva, and birth fluids.
Prevention:
Both human and animal vaccinations are now unavailable. Humans with the Nipah virus are given intensive supportive care.
Source- The Hindu
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