02 Jun 2018 | 02:53 PM UTC
India: Nipah virus outbreak continues in Kerala state as of June 1 /update 4
Officials place 1407 people under quarantine in Kerala amid Nipah virus outbreak as of June 1; at least 17 confirmed deaths
Event
The official death toll for the ongoing Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala state has risen to 17 as of Friday, June 1; 17 other individuals are still receiving treatment at hospitals. Furthermore, at least 1407 individuals in Kozhikode and Malappuram have been quarantined in their homes in an effort to prevent further spread of the disease. Additional cases are likely in the coming days and weeks.
Context
The Nipah virus, first identified in 1998, is a disease carried by fruit bats that can induce fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion. Individuals suffering such symptoms can fall into a coma within 24-48 hours. The viral infection has a reported mortality rate of 70 percent. There is no vaccine.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas who are exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Monitor developments to the situation and avoid drinking raw date palm sap, which can be contaminated by fruit bats carrying the disease.
