No human-to-human transmission among patients with AES: Study
This was unlike the outbreaks in 2001, 2007, 2018, and 2023, where patients also had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The two Nipah spillover events in 2024, where no transmission was observed, highlighted the need for better surveillance of ARDS cases to manage and contain outbreaks, said a recent paper in the Elsevier Journal of Infection and Public Health. The paper stated that India intensified NiV surveillance in West Bengal and Kerala, establishing a network of ten and seven trained virus research and diagnostic laboratories (VRDLs), respectively. Since Nov 2024, these laboratories initiated screening for NiV infection among cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) negative for other common endemic viral respiratory pathogens. This targeted approach helps to identify potential NiV cases early, even when they might be masked by similar illnesses.The study compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of AES and ARDS - predominant NiV outbreaks in Kerala to identify factors influencing transmission dynamics and examine public health interventions and their effectiveness in outbreak containment. Researchers from NIV Pune and Kerala, along with the state surveillance unit of the directorate of health services, were involved in the study.It stated that the characteristic coughing and other respiratory symptoms in ARDS patients generate virus-laden aerosols, which, due to their smaller particle size, can travel greater distances and remain suspended in the air for extended periods, increasing the risk of inhalation and subsequent infection. This contrasts sharply with outbreaks where AES predominates, as seen in 2019, 2021, and 2024. Furthermore, the viral load and shedding patterns in AES cases may differ, potentially contributing to reduced transmissibility.The study stated that they found the two NiV outbreaks in Malappuram with AES as the predominant clinical manifestation in July and Sep 2024. Among all close contacts screened, no secondary transmission of NiV was observed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
11 hours ago
- India Today
Kerala has 571 on Nipah contact list, 27 at highest risk, says Health Minister
Kerala has placed 571 people on the Nipah virus contact list across five districts, Health Minister Veena George said after a high-level review meeting on contact list includes 62 individuals from Malappuram, 418 from Palakkad, 89 from Kozhikode, and one each from Ernakulam and people are currently under treatment in isolation in Malappuram. One person in Palakkad is also being treated in isolation. Meanwhile, ten people, one from Malappuram, two from Palakkad, and seven from Kozhikode, have been removed from the contact list after completing their isolation According to the health department, 27 people in the state fall under the highest risk category, while 78 are considered high health minister chaired a meeting with top officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of Health, NHM State Mission Director, Directors of Health and Medical Education, District Collectors, police officials, and other department heads, to assess the situation and coordinate containment intensified surveillance follows the second Nipah-related death reported in Kerala last week. A 57-year-old man from Mannarkkad in Palakkad died after developing severe respiratory distress, initial tests confirmed Nipah a death was reported in Malappuram this year. In 2024, the state also saw another death linked to Nipah virus officials continue to urge vigilance and adherence to protocols to prevent further spread.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
3 acute flaccid paralysis cases reported in Sambhajinagar
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Health authorities in Phulambri taluka have diagnosed three children from a local hamlet with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP). The children — aged two-and-a-half, nine and 11 years old, rapidly developed weakness and reduced muscle strength. After initial treatment at a local hospital, the children were transferred to a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Saturday. District health officer Dr. Abhay Dhanorkar said while all three are confirmed cases of AFP, the underlying cause could be polio, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), or another post-viral infection. "An 11-year-old boy has already tested negative for GBS and is recovering," he said. "The lab results for the other two children are still pending. As part of a thorough investigation, stool samples from all three children have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further analysis," he added. Health authorities have also been collecting samples of drinking water in the village Mauje Khambatvasti for lab testing. "We have collected water samples from the homes of the three children and neighbouring houses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Also, mass screening of villagers is being carried out," Dhanorkar said. "The hamlet has a population of around 400, and nobody has reported major health complaints so far,"he added. According to the health authorities, the nine-year-old boy first developed weakness and reduced muscle strength on July 12, following which his family consulted with the local doctors. Later, another 11-year-old boy complained of similar health issues on July 16, and another 2.5-year-old suffered similar conditions the following day.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Nipah: Over 580 people on contact list in state
Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: Health minister Veena George stated on Saturday that the situation of Nipah infections in the state was under control. "Everything is orderly, under control. There is nothing to worry about. As per scientific protocol, we are ensuring that everything is being done," she said. A total of 581 people are on Nipah contact list across various districts in the state. In Malappuram, there are 63 people, 420 in Palakkad, 96 in Kozhikode and one person each in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. In Malappuram, 14 persons are undergoing treatment in isolation. Those who completed their isolation period, including 47 from Malappuram, one from Palakkad and 19 from Kozhikode, were removed from the contact list. In Palakkad, 13 people are receiving treatment in isolation. In the state, a total of 29 people are under high-risk category and another 78 individuals are under high-risk surveillance. The minister has instructed the medical board to make a decision regarding the containment zone. 15-year-old girl admitted to Thrissur med college hospital Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl from Perinthalmanna, suspected to be infected by Nipah virus , was admitted to Thrissur govt medical college hospital on Friday night. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She was admitted to the isolation ward of the medical college after she showed symptoms resembling Nipah infection. She is under close observation at the medical college. Samples collected from her were sent for virology tests. Hospital authorities told the media that they were awaiting the test results and further medication would be started based on the results. Health officials have been asked to report any cases of fever and encephalitis with symptoms of Nipah to the district and state health wing.
