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Nipah Virus

All articles tagged with #nipah virus

health2 years ago

"Human Trials Begin for Groundbreaking Nipah Virus Vaccine"

The University of Oxford has initiated the first human trial for a vaccine against the Nipah virus, a zoonotic pathogen with a mortality rate of up to 75%. The ChAdOx1 NipahB vaccine is being tested on 51 volunteers to evaluate its safety and immune responses. With no approved vaccines or treatments for Nipah virus, this trial marks a significant step in pandemic preparedness, and further research is expected to follow in Nipah virus-affected countries.

health2 years ago

"The Big One: Scientists Warn of Deadly Brain-Swelling Virus as Next Catastrophic Pandemic"

Scientists warn that the next pandemic, dubbed "the Big One," could be caused by the Nipah virus, a deadly brain-swelling virus that recently had an outbreak in India. Unlike viruses like the flu and Covid-19, which mutate rapidly, paramyxoviruses like Nipah do not mutate as they spread but are highly contagious among humans. The Nipah virus has a fatality rate between 40 and 75 percent, making it difficult to develop treatments and vaccines. The virus's ability to jump from different species, known as spillover, highlights the need for governments to control land development and protect animal habitats. Deforestation, urbanization, and intensive farming have been linked to spillover in research.

health2 years ago

"The 'Big One': The Impending Pandemic That Could Devastate Humanity"

The next pandemic, known as the 'Big One,' could be caused by a paramyxovirus, a family of viruses that includes mumps, measles, and respiratory tract infections. Unlike the flu and COVID-19, paramyxoviruses do not mutate as they spread but have become highly efficient at transmission among humans. One variant, the Nipah virus, has a fatality rate of up to 75 percent compared to COVID-19's less than one percent. Scientists are concerned about the potential emergence of a paramyxovirus that is as contagious as measles and as deadly as Nipah. Understanding these viruses and developing treatments and vaccines has been challenging due to their ability to infect multiple species and the lack of survivors for study. Strengthening pandemic preparedness is crucial as viruses continue to move from animals to humans at alarming rates.

health2 years ago

"India on High Alert as Nipah Virus Strikes Again"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided an update on India's latest Nipah virus outbreak, revealing that testing of samples from bats and their environments near the first patient's residence yielded no positive results. The outbreak, centered in Kozhikode district in Kerala state, marks India's sixth Nipah virus outbreak and the third in Kozhikode district. So far, there have been six human cases, with two fatalities. All patients are male and close contacts of the index patient. Genetic sequencing has shown that the virus is similar to a strain found in Bangladesh. Extensive sampling in bats and the environment has been conducted, but all tests have been negative. Nipah virus is a highly fatal disease with no approved vaccines or treatments.

health2 years ago

"India's Battle Against a Deadly Viral Outbreak: Inside the Race to Stop It"

A deadly viral outbreak of the Nipah virus in India has prompted swift action from healthcare authorities. The virus, believed to be spread from bats, has a high fatality rate and no authorized treatments or vaccines. The outbreak was detected after several patients presented with flu-like symptoms and neurological problems. The patients were isolated and tested, confirming three cases of Nipah. Strict lockdown measures and contact tracing have been implemented to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

health2 years ago

"India's Battle Against a Deadly Viral Outbreak: Inside the Race to Stop It"

A deadly viral outbreak of the Nipah virus in India has prompted swift action from healthcare authorities. The virus, believed to be spread from bats, has a high fatality rate and no authorized treatments or vaccines. The outbreak was initially suspected when a family presented with flu-like symptoms and a history of a recent death with similar symptoms. Three patients tested positive for Nipah, including an unrelated individual, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus. The state authorities implemented strict containment measures, including lockdowns and contact tracing, to prevent further transmission.

health2 years ago

"India's Battle Against a Deadly Viral Outbreak: Inside the Race to Stop it"

Doctors in India are racing to identify and contain a potential outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus, which has a fatality rate of 40-75%. After a family presented with similar symptoms, including respiratory distress and neurological problems, and the recent death of the father with similar symptoms, doctors suspect Nipah. There are no authorized treatments or vaccines for Nipah, making swift action crucial to prevent a catastrophic spread of the virus.

health2 years ago

Bangladesh Strain of Nipah Virus: A Deadly Crime Thriller Unfolds

The Bangladesh strain of the Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, killing nine out of 10 infected individuals, according to Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, a top epidemiologist. It is crucial to identify the source of the virus to prevent its spread. Gangakhedkar emphasized the need for contact tracing and community mobilization, drawing on the experience of handling previous Nipah outbreaks in Kerala. A nationwide survey has found evidence of Nipah virus circulation in bats across multiple states in India. India is seeking additional monoclonal antibody doses from Australia to combat the virus.

health2 years ago

India Secures Australian Antibodies to Combat Nipah Virus Outbreak

India is sourcing monoclonal antibodies from Australia to treat individuals affected by the Nipah virus in Kerala. The drug, m102.4, initially developed to treat Henipavirus, has shown promise in early-stage trials for managing Nipah virus, which has a high fatality rate. While still under trial for efficacy, anecdotal reports from compassionate use have shown positive outcomes. India has requested additional doses of monoclonal antibodies to treat patients. Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that target and destroy foreign materials.

health2 years ago

India on High Alert as New Nipah Outbreak Sparks Concerns

The Southern Indian state of Kerala is facing its fourth outbreak of the Nipah virus since 2018, with two deaths confirmed and six active cases. The virus, which has a high fatality rate of 75%, can be transmitted through contact with body fluids or infected food. Health authorities are monitoring individuals with fever and those who had contact with the deceased, while testing bats in the area for the virus. There is currently no vaccine or cure for Nipah, and supportive care is the only treatment available. The source of the current outbreak and the mode of transmission are still under investigation.

health2 years ago

India's Battle Against the Deadly Nipah Virus Outbreak Intensifies

Health officials in India are working to contain an outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus, which has already claimed two lives. Nipah is a rare zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans, particularly through contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, respiratory illness, brain swelling, and seizures. The virus has a high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 75%. There are currently no authorized drugs or vaccines for Nipah, and diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Experts warn that the destruction of natural bat habitats in India may increase the risk of virus spillovers. Nipah is listed as a priority pathogen for urgent research and development by the World Health Organization, as it has the potential to cause a pandemic.

health2 years ago

"Nipah Virus Outbreak: India's Kerala State Races to Contain Deadly Epidemic"

India's state of Kerala is working to contain a new outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus, which has killed two people and infected at least five. Schools are closed, villages are declared containment zones, and 950 contacts have been identified. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed Nipah as a priority disease due to its high fatality rate of 40-75%. The strain identified in Kerala is the Bangladesh strain, which has a high mortality but is less infectious.

health2 years ago

India's Nipah Virus Outbreak: Tracking Bats, Testing Hundreds, and Urgent Alerts for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Experts in India's Kerala state are collecting samples from bats and fruit trees in an effort to track the deadly Nipah virus, which has already killed two people and infected three more. This is the fourth outbreak of the virus in the state since 2018, and there is currently no vaccine available. The virus spreads through contact with infected bats, pigs, or people, and has a high fatality rate. Public offices, government buildings, and educational centers have been closed in affected areas, and neighboring states are conducting tests on visitors from Kerala.

health2 years ago

India's Battle Against the Deadly Nipah Virus Outbreak: Testing and Alertness Across States

Health officials in India are working to contain an outbreak of the Nipah virus, which has a high fatality rate of up to 75%. Two adults and a child have tested positive for the virus in Kerala state, and around 800 people have been tested so far. Public offices, government buildings, and religious institutions have been closed in affected areas. The Nipah virus is zoonotic and primarily carried by fruit bats. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, sore throat, and neurological signs. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or humans and their bodily fluids. Treatment is limited to supportive care. Previous outbreaks in India and Bangladesh have resulted in fatalities.

health2 years ago

India's Nipah Virus Outbreak: Over 700 Tested, Urgent Alert for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

The southern Indian state of Kerala has implemented measures to contain the spread of the rare and deadly Nipah virus, which has already claimed two lives. Over 700 people, including 153 health workers, are being tested for the virus, which is transmitted through contact with infected bats, pigs, or humans. The state government has declared containment zones in eight villages and urged people to avoid public gatherings. Strict isolation rules have been implemented, and medical staff are being quarantined after contact with infected individuals. Neighboring Tamil Nadu state has announced medical tests and isolation for travelers from Kerala.