The recent Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, a state in southern India, has led health authorities to declare a high alert. The death of a 14-year-old boy has been confirmed as the latest case. Reports from local media indicate that close relatives of the deceased have tested negative for the virus. The government of Kerala is closely monitoring the situation, having identified 60 high-risk individuals currently being tested for the virus.
The Nipah virus is considered one of the deadliest pathogens known. Discovered in Malaysia 25 years ago, it has an estimated mortality rate of 75% and poses a potential risk for a future pandemic. The Nipah virus is transmitted to humans through animals such as fruit bats and pigs. At the moment, there is no available vaccine or specific treatment for this virus.
