GS Paper 2
Topics Covered: Issues related to Health.
Context:
After a gap of over three years, a case of the zoonotic Nipah virus infection has been reported in Kozhikode district of Kerala.
What measures are being taken to control the spread of the virus?
A contact list of 188 persons, a majority of them healthcare workers, has been prepared. Symptomatic persons will be shifted to hospital.
Need of the hour:
At a time when there is a relentless surge in Covid-19 infections in Kerala, accounting for a lion’s share of the nationwide case load, the return of the dreaded Nipah virus to the State is a cause for major concern.
- This is the time for the Centre and the State government to take up containment measures with mutual trust and coordination.
- There are urgent steps that need to be taken jointly, including contact tracing, quarantine, isolation, collection, and transportation of samples for lab testing and a detailed study of the surrounding areas by the National Centre for Disease Control from an epidemiological standpoint.
What is Nipah?
- It is a zoonotic virus (it is transmitted from animals to humans).
- It first broke out in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999.
- It first appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.
Spread:
- The virus is transmitted to people from animals and can also be passed on through contaminated food or directly from person-to-person.
- Fruit bats are considered to be a natural reservoir of the virus.
Symptoms:
Symptoms include acute encephalitis and respiratory illnesses.
Prevention:
Currently, there are no vaccines for both humans and animals. Intensive supportive care is given to humans infected by Nipah virus.
Insta Curious:
Have you heard of the Tripartite Plus alliance? What are its objectives and achievements? Reference: read this.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About the Virus.
- Spread.
- Symptoms.
- Prevention.
Mains Link:
Write a note on one health approach.
Sources: the Hindu.
