Year: 2025
Journal: Indian J Med Res
DOI: 10.25259/IJMR_2180_2024
Summary#
The paper discusses the potential airborne transmission of Nipah virus (NiV) in Kerala, India based on evidence from studies and outbreaks in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and other regions.
Key Findings#
- Nipah virus was first discovered in Malaysia among swineherds and is enzootic in Pteropus bats or flying foxes.
- Since 2001, recurrent NiV outbreaks have been reported in India and Bangladesh.
- In Malaysia, transmission from pigs to humans occurred through close contact with respiratory secretions.
- In Bangladesh, airborne transmission is speculated but not conclusively proven due to low virus concentration in the environment.
- Bats in Bangladesh and West Bengal were infected with NiV by or before 2000 winter, and the territory of bat infection seems to have expanded to Kerala.
Methodology#
- Study Type: Perspective
- Geographic Focus: [‘Kerala, India’, ‘Malaysia’, ‘Bangladesh’]
- Time Period: 1998-2025
Topics#
Nipah virus, Epidemiology, Virology, Policy
Relevance#
This paper contributes to the understanding of Nipah virus transmission patterns and potential airborne risks, which can aid in developing prevention strategies for NiV outbreaks.