GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered: Issues related to Health.
Context:
Scientists at Pune’s Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology were able to detect the presence of IgG antibodies against Nipah virus infection (NiV) in 51 bats that were captured from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
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:
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InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About the Virus.
- Spread.
- Symptoms.
- Prevention.
Mains Link:
Write a note on one health approach.
Sources: the Hindu.
