A NEW VIRUS OUTBREAK IN INDIA
The Nipah virus outbreak in India has raised concerns among neighboring countries, including Nepal. The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus that was initially identified in 1999 during an epidemic in Malaysia. It is believed to be transmitted to humans from fruit bats, which serve as the primary hosts of the virus. Additionally, person-to-person transmission can occur through close contact with infected individuals. The virus manifests in a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, vomiting, and respiratory issues. In severe cases, it can lead to fatal encephalitis. In September 2023, an outbreak of the Nipah virus was reported in the Indian state of Kerala. This outbreak has raised concerns among neighboring countries, Nepal included. As of September 19, 2023, two fatalities had been recorded in India, with fears of many more individuals carrying the disease. Transmission of the Nipah virus occurs through direct contact with infected animals, such as bats or pigs, or their body ...