Virus attack

A total of six Nipah virus cases have been reported in Kerala. Out of these six, two people have died and the other four are undergoing treatment. 706 people are on the contact list, of which, 77 are in the high-risk category, while 153 are health workers. Nobody in the high-risk category is showing symptoms currently, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said. Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus which is transmitted from animals to humans. Contaminated food and direct contact with an infected individual can lead to human-to-human spread. It can also cause illness in pigs. The virus can cause mild to severe illness and even death in some cases. It was first discovered in 1999 following an outbreak in pigs and people. Initially, infected individuals experience fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting and sore throat. After these, the infection causes symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, neurological issues and altered consciousness. According to the World Health Organisation, some people can also experience severe respiratory issues and atypical pneumonia. In severe cases, encephalitis and seizures can occur, progressing to coma.