Amidst the news of the&nbsp;Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, more than 18 dead bats were discovered on Wednesday in the premises of a government school in Himachal Pradesh's Nahan, triggering a panic among locals.

Officers of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry Department and Forest Department arrived at the Burma Papadi School, following a directive from the Deputy Commissioner, and took samples from the dead bats for further investigation.

However, the officials denied rumours of fears of the virus as of now.

The district's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sanjay Sharma, although the bats are present in the area every year, this year their numbers are significantly higher.

"The principal of the school and the students said that bats come here every year, and eventually perish, however, this year, their numbers are far greater than in previous years," Sharma said.

"We have informed the teachers, students of the school about the virus, its symptoms, preventive measures. We told them to avoid physical contact in case of an outbreak, as this is a communicative disease," he added.

Suparna Bharadwaj, the principal of the school, said, "In this situation, there is a panic in the people after this episode, as the way the bats are dying, Napa Virus's fears cannot be sidelined. The students were informed of the disease, it's preventive measures, so we will exercise all precautions in case of an outbreak and inform as many people as possible."

The death toll in the deadly Nipah virus outbreak has so far, risen up to 10, Kerala health minister KK Shailaga confirmed.

Earlier, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam appealed to the people of the state to not to panic over the rumours being circulated about the spread of the virus and requested everyone to follow the advisories issued by the State Health Department.

Also, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is closely monitoring the outbreak and taking steps to prevent its further spread.

Taking cognizance of the issue, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda also directed to constitute a team of six doctors to probe the outbreak of the virus.&nbsp;

The death toll in the deadly Nipah virus outbreak has so far risen up to 10, Kerala health minister KK Shailaga confirmed

Amidst the news of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, more than 18 dead bats were discovered on Wednesday in the premises of a government school in Himachal Pradesh's Nahan, triggering a panic among locals. Officers of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry Department and Forest Department arrived at the Burma Papadi School, following a directive from the Deputy Commissioner, and took samples from the dead bats for further investigation. However, the officials denied rumours of fears of the virus as of now. The district's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sanjay Sharma, although the bats are present in the area every year, this year their numbers are significantly higher. "The principal of the school and the students said that bats come here every year, and eventually perish, however, this year, their numbers are far greater than in previous years," Sharma said. "We have informed the teachers, students of the school about the virus, its symptoms, preventive measures. We told them to avoid physical contact in case of an outbreak, as this is a communicative disease," he added. Suparna Bharadwaj, the principal of the school, said, "In this situation, there is a panic in the people after this episode, as the way the bats are dying, Napa Virus's fears cannot be sidelined. The students were informed of the disease, it's preventive measures, so we will exercise all precautions in case of an outbreak and inform as many people as possible." The death toll in the deadly Nipah virus outbreak has so far, risen up to 10, Kerala health minister KK Shailaga confirmed. Earlier, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam appealed to the people of the state to not to panic over the rumours being circulated about the spread of the virus and requested everyone to follow the advisories issued by the State Health Department. Also, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is closely monitoring the outbreak and taking steps to prevent its further spread. Taking cognizance of the issue, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda also directed to constitute a team of six doctors to probe the outbreak of the virus.

Nipah virus scare in Himachal after 18 dead bats found in Nahan

India's health ministry has issued a list of dos and don'ts to ward off the deadly Nipah virus which is so far limited to the state of Kerala, where it has claimed 12 lives. Here's what the advisory states:

What is Nipah

Nipah is a virus that commonly affects animals like bat, pigs, dogs, horses etc. The virus can spread from animals to humans and can sometimes cause serious illness among humans.

How does it spread

Spread of Nipah virus to humans may occur after close contact with other Nipah infected people, infected bats, or infected pigs. Bat secretions laden with virus can infect people during tree climbing, eating/handling contaminated fallen fruits or consuming raw date palm sap/juice or toddy.

Human to human infection can occur from close contact with persons affected with Nipah at home while providing care or close contact and in hospital setting if appropriate personal protective personal equipments are not used.

Handling of dead bodies, suspected of death due to Nipah virus should be done in accordance with the government advisory. During this emotional moment, traditional rituals and practices may need to be modified to prevent the exposure of family members to the disease.

Who are at high risk of developing Nipah virus infection?

People who are exposed to areas inhabited by fruit bats/articles contaminated by secretions such as unused wells, caves, fruit orchards are likely to be at higher risk of infection

Persons with direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues

Persons in close contact with a Nipah virus affected deceased during burial or cremation rituals

Health care workers having direct contact with probable or confirmed cases without using standard precautionary measures

The Indian government has issued a list of dos and don'ts to ward off the deadly Nipah virus which is so far limited to the state of Kerala, where it has claimed 12 lives

India's health ministry has issued a list of dos and don'ts to ward off the deadly Nipah virus which is so far limited to the state of Kerala, where it has claimed 12 lives. Here's what the advisory states: What is Nipah Nipah is a virus that commonly affects animals like bat, pigs, dogs, horses etc. The virus can spread from animals to humans and can sometimes cause serious illness among humans. How does it spread Spread of Nipah virus to humans may occur after close contact with other Nipah infected people, infected bats, or infected pigs. Bat secretions laden with virus can infect people during tree climbing, eating/handling contaminated fallen fruits or consuming raw date palm sap/juice or toddy. Human to human infection can occur from close contact with persons affected with Nipah at home while providing care or close contact and in hospital setting if appropriate personal protective personal equipments are not used. Handling of dead bodies, suspected of death due to Nipah virus should be done in accordance with the government advisory. During this emotional moment, traditional rituals and practices may need to be modified to prevent the exposure of family members to the disease. Who are at high risk of developing Nipah virus infection? People who are exposed to areas inhabited by fruit bats/articles contaminated by secretions such as unused wells, caves, fruit orchards are likely to be at higher risk of infection Persons with direct contact with sick pigs or their contaminated tissues Persons in close contact with a Nipah virus affected deceased during burial or cremation rituals Health care workers having direct contact with probable or confirmed cases without using standard precautionary measures

Health ministry issues advisory on Nipah virus

With 10 deaths due to the deadly Nipah virus being reported so far from northern Kerala, the state government on Wednesday issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Waynad and Kannur.

"Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts", health secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said.

The government has also called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on May 25 to discuss the issue.

MPs, MLAs, other representatives of people and leaders of various political parties would attend the meeting, health minister KK Shylaja today said.

Ten people have lost their lives to Nipah in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts so far and 19 are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, including one in Waynad.

Of the 13 confirmed cases, 10 persons have died.

Isolation wards have also been set up in Thalassery government hospital in Kannur, according to media reports.

In Kozhikode, from where seven deaths have been reported, district collector UV Jose has ordered temporary stoppage of all training programmes and summer camps in affected areas such as Changaroth, Koorachund, Kottur, Cheruvannur, Chekyad, Chakkittapara and Olavanna.

The anganwadis in these regions too have been asked to close down to avoid the spread of the virus among children.

However, no decision has been taken yet concerning the reopening of schools after the summer vacation.

The administration is hoping that the situation will be under control by the time schools reopen after a week.

"The number of newly infected cases is very low now", Jose said in a statement.

In neighbouring Malappuram, where three people have died due to the virus, orders have been issued in four panchayats to stop Anganwadi classes for the time being.

A crisis management group has been constituted to coordinate the response of government agencies following the deaths in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.

The group comprises additional chief secretaries of health, revenue, labour, home principal secretary forest, director animal husbandry and state epidemiologists, among others.

Keeping in mind the sacrifice of 28-year-old Lini Puthussery, a nurse at Perambra Taluk hospital, who died after being infected by the virus while treating her patients, the government today decided to give a job to her husband and financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for her two sons - aged five and two.

The next of kin of nine others who died of the virus would be given an assistance of Rs 5 lakh each.

Meanwhile, DGP Loknath Behara warned that stern action would be taken against those who spread false information with regard to the virus in the social media.

Creation of fake or false messages, spreading them to cause panic or public disorder are criminal acts and liable for investigation and prosecution.

Directions have been issued to DGP (crimes) to register criminal cases against the creators of the messages and propagators, he said.

An expert team from the National Centre for Disease -Control (NCDC), including its director, Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh and Head of Epidemiology, Dr S K Jain, and a high-level team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS)are already in Kerala to take stock of the situation.

The outbreak of the virus infection, which is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well which was infested with bats.

The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus.

The Kerala health minister also said there was no need to be afraid of bats and their habitats should not to destroyed.&nbsp 
&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

The state government has called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on May 25 to discuss the issue.

With 10 deaths due to the deadly Nipah virus being reported so far from northern Kerala, the state government on Wednesday issued an advisory, asking travellers to avoid visiting the four districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, Waynad and Kannur. "Travelling to any part of Kerala is safe. However, if travellers wish to be extra cautious, they may avoid the four districts", health secretary Rajeev Sadanandan said. The government has also called for an all-party meeting at Kozhikode on May 25 to discuss the issue. MPs, MLAs, other representatives of people and leaders of various political parties would attend the meeting, health minister KK Shylaja today said. Ten people have lost their lives to Nipah in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts so far and 19 are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, including one in Waynad. Of the 13 confirmed cases, 10 persons have died. Isolation wards have also been set up in Thalassery government hospital in Kannur, according to media reports. In Kozhikode, from where seven deaths have been reported, district collector UV Jose has ordered temporary stoppage of all training programmes and summer camps in affected areas such as Changaroth, Koorachund, Kottur, Cheruvannur, Chekyad, Chakkittapara and Olavanna. The anganwadis in these regions too have been asked to close down to avoid the spread of the virus among children. However, no decision has been taken yet concerning the reopening of schools after the summer vacation. The administration is hoping that the situation will be under control by the time schools reopen after a week. "The number of newly infected cases is very low now", Jose said in a statement. In neighbouring Malappuram, where three people have died due to the virus, orders have been issued in four panchayats to stop Anganwadi classes for the time being. A crisis management group has been constituted to coordinate the response of government agencies following the deaths in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. The group comprises additional chief secretaries of health, revenue, labour, home principal secretary forest, director animal husbandry and state epidemiologists, among others. Keeping in mind the sacrifice of 28-year-old Lini Puthussery, a nurse at Perambra Taluk hospital, who died after being infected by the virus while treating her patients, the government today decided to give a job to her husband and financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each for her two sons - aged five and two. The next of kin of nine others who died of the virus would be given an assistance of Rs 5 lakh each. Meanwhile, DGP Loknath Behara warned that stern action would be taken against those who spread false information with regard to the virus in the social media. Creation of fake or false messages, spreading them to cause panic or public disorder are criminal acts and liable for investigation and prosecution. Directions have been issued to DGP (crimes) to register criminal cases against the creators of the messages and propagators, he said. An expert team from the National Centre for Disease -Control (NCDC), including its director, Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh and Head of Epidemiology, Dr S K Jain, and a high-level team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS)are already in Kerala to take stock of the situation. The outbreak of the virus infection, which is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well which was infested with bats. The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus. The Kerala health minister also said there was no need to be afraid of bats and their habitats should not to destroyed.

Nipah virus: State government advisory against travelling to 4 northern Kerala districts

Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja has said that medicine to treat the Nipah virus outbreak will be flown in from Malaysia.&nbsp;

The government is trying to bring in a medicine called Riba which has been used before in Malaysia and can reportedly, to some extent, control the virus.&nbsp;

Nipah is a zoonosis, or a disease which can be transmitted to humans from animals.

The virus has so far killed 11 people in Kerala.&nbsp;

One of them was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-offers-government-job-to-husband-of-nurse-who-died-from-nipah-virus-139133">nurse</a> who had been looking after people who had contracted Nipah.&nbsp;

The government is trying to bring in a medicine called Riba which has been used before in Malaysia and can, to some extent, control the virus

Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja has said that medicine to treat the Nipah virus outbreak will be flown in from Malaysia. The government is trying to bring in a medicine called Riba which has been used before in Malaysia and can reportedly, to some extent, control the virus. Nipah is a zoonosis, or a disease which can be transmitted to humans from animals. The virus has so far killed 11 people in Kerala. One of them was the nurse who had been looking after people who had contracted Nipah.

Nipah virus: Medicine to be flown in from Malaysia, says Kerala Health Minister

Extending a helping hand to the family of nurse Lini Puthussery, who died after contracting Nipah from her patients, the Kerala government today decided to give a government job to her husband and Rs 10 lakh each to two of their children.

A decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here.

Sajeesh, Lini's husband, will be offered a government job based on his qualifications.

Their two children, aged five and two, will be given Rs 10 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund, a government press release said.

Of the amounts sanctioned for Lini's children, Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in their bank accounts. The remaining Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in such a manner that the interest amounts can be utilised by the guardian for the needs of the children, the release added.

The government also decided to give Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the nine others who have lost their lives to Nipah.

Lini, who was working in the Perambra Taluk hospital, had contracted the deadly virus from her patients who had sought treatment at the hospital in the initial days.

Sajeesh, who was working in Bahrain, had rushed to Perambra on hearing about her illness, two days before her death.

Lini, who was aware of the seriousness of her illness, had scribbled an emotional last letter to Sajeesh saying, "I am almost on the way. I do not think I can meet you. You should look after our children well," which had gone viral in the social media.

As Sajeesh struggles to come to terms with the loss, he gathered himself to thank the government for this gesture.

Three patients of a family from Soopykada village in Permabra had been initially admitted at the Perambra taluk hospital for treatment, where Lini was a nurse.

The government also decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin who died of Nipah virus.

The virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.

Two more persons who died of high fever are suspected to have contracted the virus.

Sajeesh, Lini's husband, will be offered a government job based on his qualifications. Their two children, aged five and two, will be given Rs 10 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund, a government press release said

Extending a helping hand to the family of nurse Lini Puthussery, who died after contracting Nipah from her patients, the Kerala government today decided to give a government job to her husband and Rs 10 lakh each to two of their children. A decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here. Sajeesh, Lini's husband, will be offered a government job based on his qualifications. Their two children, aged five and two, will be given Rs 10 lakh each from the chief minister's relief fund, a government press release said. Of the amounts sanctioned for Lini's children, Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in their bank accounts. The remaining Rs 5 lakh each will be deposited in such a manner that the interest amounts can be utilised by the guardian for the needs of the children, the release added. The government also decided to give Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the nine others who have lost their lives to Nipah. Lini, who was working in the Perambra Taluk hospital, had contracted the deadly virus from her patients who had sought treatment at the hospital in the initial days. Sajeesh, who was working in Bahrain, had rushed to Perambra on hearing about her illness, two days before her death. Lini, who was aware of the seriousness of her illness, had scribbled an emotional last letter to Sajeesh saying, "I am almost on the way. I do not think I can meet you. You should look after our children well," which had gone viral in the social media. As Sajeesh struggles to come to terms with the loss, he gathered himself to thank the government for this gesture. Three patients of a family from Soopykada village in Permabra had been initially admitted at the Perambra taluk hospital for treatment, where Lini was a nurse. The government also decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin who died of Nipah virus. The virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Two more persons who died of high fever are suspected to have contracted the virus.

Kerala offers government job to husband of nurse who died from Nipah virus

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan has accepted Dr Kafeel Khan's offer of help.&nbsp;

"I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives," Khan said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

Vijayan wrote back: "There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them."&nbsp;

The Kerala chief minister asked Dr Khan, and other health workers who wished to help, to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-kafeel-khan-request-to-rejoin-hospital-if-cm-yogi-renounces-suspension-133531">If CM Yogi revokes my suspension, I will go back to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dr-kafeel-khan-request-to-rejoin-hospital-if-cm-yogi-renounces-suspension-133531">hospital</a>

Khan's Facebook post had read: "After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn't. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms."&nbsp;

"I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives. Sister Lini is a inspiration and I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause," he added.

As many as 11 people have died in Kerala from confirmed and suspected cases of the Nipah virus. That includes the nurse (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-almost-on-the-way-cant-meet-you-kerala-nurse-who-died-treating-nipah-patients-writes-to-husband-138928">Sister Lini</a>) who was looking after patients suspected to have contracted the virus.&nbsp;

Dr Khan was a paediatrician at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur where over 60 children died in one week in August last year.&nbsp;

News reports at the time said the hospital had run out of oxygen cylinders. And that the agency supplying the oxygen cylinders had stopped doing so because the government-run hospital had not paid its bills despite repeated reminders.&nbsp;

The UP government had denied the allegation.&nbsp;

The UP government later recommended the filing of charges against Dr Khan and others, including the hospital's principal.&nbsp;

Khan was arrested in September last year. He was also suspended from duty.&nbsp;

He was given bail in April this year.&nbsp;

He says he has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437">framed by the </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437">UP</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/being-framed-by-administration-for-gorakhpur-tragedy-jailed-doctor-kafeel-khan-131437"> government</a>.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vfS9gcV8RoA" width="560"></iframe>

'I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause,' Dr Khan said. 'There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them,' Vijayan wrote back

Kerala Chief Minister Pinari Vijayan has accepted Dr Kafeel Khan's offer of help. "I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives," Khan said in a Facebook post. Vijayan wrote back: "There are several doctors who serve in the medical field without any concern to their life and health. I am seeing Khan as one among them." The Kerala chief minister asked Dr Khan, and other health workers who wished to help, to get in touch with the Kozhikode Medical College Superintendent. Also read: If CM Yogi revokes my suspension, I will go back to hospital Khan's Facebook post had read: "After sehri n fajr namaz was trying to sleep but couldn't. Disturbed with increase no of mortality due to Nipah Virus (NiV )infection n rumors spreading on social media platforms." "I request Kerala chief minister Mr Pinarayi Vijayan to allow me to serve at Calicut Medical college to save innocent lives. Sister Lini is a inspiration and I am more than willing to sacrifice my life for the noble cause," he added. As many as 11 people have died in Kerala from confirmed and suspected cases of the Nipah virus. That includes the nurse (Sister Lini) who was looking after patients suspected to have contracted the virus. Dr Khan was a paediatrician at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur where over 60 children died in one week in August last year. News reports at the time said the hospital had run out of oxygen cylinders. And that the agency supplying the oxygen cylinders had stopped doing so because the government-run hospital had not paid its bills despite repeated reminders. The UP government had denied the allegation. The UP government later recommended the filing of charges against Dr Khan and others, including the hospital's principal. Khan was arrested in September last year. He was also suspended from duty. He was given bail in April this year. He says he has been framed by the UP government. (With inputs from PTI)

Nipah virus: Dr Kafeel Khan offers to help, Kerala CM Pinari Vijayan accepts

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 9 people to the fatal viral disease. The South Indian state of Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted.&nbsp;

Goa's Health Department has asked the authorities to keep the hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has informed that the Goan authorities will be carrying out random checking on travellers from Kerala as per the medical guidelines provided by the Central government.&nbsp;

Rane added that the Goan officials are in regular touch with the Kerala authorities over the matter. He noted that the virus spreads through fruit seeds and that the disease infected people across the world in the year 2014.

Kerala was put on high alert on Monday after a number of people from one family <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-put-on-high-alert-after-rare-nipah-virus-kills-9-138503">died in Kozhikode</a> in over a fortnight due deadly Nipah virus. According to the National Virology Institute, Pune, the virus has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current death toll stands at nine.&nbsp;

"The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has on Monday called for the constitution of a high-level team of doctors to tackle the situation in Kerala.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease that can transmit to humans from animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats.&nbsp;

The symptoms can range from fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness to disorientation and mental confusion. A person can also go into a state of coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine available for the infection, however, the disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and by not consuming raw date palm sap.

Nine people have died in Kerala from confirmed or suspected cases of the virus. Goa's Health Department has asked authorities to keep hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 9 people to the fatal viral disease. The South Indian state of Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted. Goa's Health Department has asked the authorities to keep the hospitals ready and all facilities updated in the event of an outbreak. Goa's Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane has informed that the Goan authorities will be carrying out random checking on travellers from Kerala as per the medical guidelines provided by the Central government. Rane added that the Goan officials are in regular touch with the Kerala authorities over the matter. He noted that the virus spreads through fruit seeds and that the disease infected people across the world in the year 2014. Kerala was put on high alert on Monday after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode in over a fortnight due deadly Nipah virus. According to the National Virology Institute, Pune, the virus has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current death toll stands at nine. "The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has on Monday called for the constitution of a high-level team of doctors to tackle the situation in Kerala. Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease that can transmit to humans from animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats. The symptoms can range from fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness to disorientation and mental confusion. A person can also go into a state of coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine available for the infection, however, the disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sick pigs and bats in endemic areas and by not consuming raw date palm sap.

After outbreak in Kerala, Nipah virus may spread to Mumbai, Goa

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 11 people to the fatal viral disease.&nbsp;Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted.&nbsp;

Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.

There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care. 
The first death in the outbreak in Kerala took place on Friday, the state`s health minister, K K Shailaja, said.

"This is a new situation for us. We have no prior experience in dealing with the Nipah virus," she said. "We are hopeful we can put a stop to the outbreak."

Of 18 people screened for the virus, 12 proved positive, Shailaja told a news conference, adding that 10 of the sufferers had died and the other two were being closely monitored.

The Indian government dispatched a team of officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to investigate the outbreak, it said in a statement.

"Since all the contacts are under observation and steps to avoid exposure through animal vectors have been taken, there is no reason for people to panic," it added.

The WHO is in contact with government officials in the affected areas, Henk Bekedam, its India representative, said in a statement.

Health experts stressed the need for early detection and infection control to arrest the virus`s spread.

"It will not spread like wildfire because it is not airborne, but it can be risky if they don`t follow proper infection control procedures," said Dr D Himanshu, of King George`s Medical University in the northern city of Lucknow.

While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated, visiting national health officials tied the initial deaths to "many bats" in a well in Kerala from which the victims drew water, the government said.

Samples from those bats were among the 60 sent to laboratories to be screened for the virus, it added.

The cases provoked concern among residents, a local government official said.

"A large number of people affected by fever, and even minor ailments, are swarming to hospitals, fearing they have contracted the disease," said U.V. Jose.

Health officials in Kerala, which attracts many tourists, aims to soon issue a travel advisory, tourism official P Bala Kiran said.

The Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, and India has suffered two outbreaks in the last decade, killing 50 people, according to the WHO.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Sixteen more are under observation at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.

The Nipah virus scare continues to intensify with Kerala losing at least 11 people to the fatal viral disease. Kerala has been put on high alert and experts now suspect the deadly virus to sprawl to Mumbai and Goa as well; hospitals have been alerted. Sixteen people are under observation at the Institute of Chest Diseases, geriatric and observation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. There is no vaccine for the Nipah virus, which is spread through body fluids and can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care. The first death in the outbreak in Kerala took place on Friday, the state`s health minister, K K Shailaja, said. "This is a new situation for us. We have no prior experience in dealing with the Nipah virus," she said. "We are hopeful we can put a stop to the outbreak." Of 18 people screened for the virus, 12 proved positive, Shailaja told a news conference, adding that 10 of the sufferers had died and the other two were being closely monitored. The Indian government dispatched a team of officials from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to investigate the outbreak, it said in a statement. "Since all the contacts are under observation and steps to avoid exposure through animal vectors have been taken, there is no reason for people to panic," it added. The WHO is in contact with government officials in the affected areas, Henk Bekedam, its India representative, said in a statement. Health experts stressed the need for early detection and infection control to arrest the virus`s spread. "It will not spread like wildfire because it is not airborne, but it can be risky if they don`t follow proper infection control procedures," said Dr D Himanshu, of King George`s Medical University in the northern city of Lucknow. While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated, visiting national health officials tied the initial deaths to "many bats" in a well in Kerala from which the victims drew water, the government said. Samples from those bats were among the 60 sent to laboratories to be screened for the virus, it added. The cases provoked concern among residents, a local government official said. "A large number of people affected by fever, and even minor ailments, are swarming to hospitals, fearing they have contracted the disease," said U.V. Jose. Health officials in Kerala, which attracts many tourists, aims to soon issue a travel advisory, tourism official P Bala Kiran said. The Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1998, and India has suffered two outbreaks in the last decade, killing 50 people, according to the WHO. (With inputs from Reuters)

Nipah virus infection: Death toll in Kerala rises to 11

In the wake of Nipah virus claiming 10 lives in Kerala, the Goa government today said there was nothing to worry about in the state, but measures were still being taken to prevent its possible spread.

"As of now, there is no alert issued for Goa by any agency, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose team is in Kerala assessing the ground-level situation," Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State Surveillance Officer of Directorate of Health Services said.

He said there was no need to panic as it has not affected the entire state of Kerala, but only a specific area of Kozhikode.

The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala, while the condition of two persons undergoing treatment for the viral disease is said to be critical, the Kerala government has confirmed.

According to Betodkar, the Goa government was not taking any chances and has already contacted Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) to assess the situation.

Responding to a question, the officer said there was no need to screen the tourists arriving from Kerala.

"Screening of the tourists or visitors can happen only when there are specific guidelines issued by the Centre. Right now, there are no such guidelines," he said.

Fruit-eating bats are the primary host of the Nipah Virus, which can cause disease in both animals and humans.

So far, there is no vaccine against the virus, which was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.

The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala.

In the wake of Nipah virus claiming 10 lives in Kerala, the Goa government today said there was nothing to worry about in the state, but measures were still being taken to prevent its possible spread. "As of now, there is no alert issued for Goa by any agency, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), whose team is in Kerala assessing the ground-level situation," Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, State Surveillance Officer of Directorate of Health Services said. He said there was no need to panic as it has not affected the entire state of Kerala, but only a specific area of Kozhikode. The Nipah virus has so far claimed 10 lives in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in north Kerala, while the condition of two persons undergoing treatment for the viral disease is said to be critical, the Kerala government has confirmed. According to Betodkar, the Goa government was not taking any chances and has already contacted Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) to assess the situation. Responding to a question, the officer said there was no need to screen the tourists arriving from Kerala. "Screening of the tourists or visitors can happen only when there are specific guidelines issued by the Centre. Right now, there are no such guidelines," he said. Fruit-eating bats are the primary host of the Nipah Virus, which can cause disease in both animals and humans. So far, there is no vaccine against the virus, which was first identified in 1998 in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia.

Nipah virus: No need to panic in Goa, says govt

There is an outbreak of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-put-on-high-alert-after-rare-nipah-virus-kills-9-138503">rare and deadly disease in Kerala</a> called Nipah virus (NiV) which has taken lives of 10 people in the last two weeks. There is no specific treatment for the ‘rare and deadly’ virus and its reported outbreak has resulted in a panic situation in the city.

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah virus (NiV) infection originally emerged in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999 which causes diseases in both humans and animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. It is also closely related to Hendra virus.

It first appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.&nbsp;

In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats, the WHO says on its website. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, WHO informed.&nbsp;

How is Nipah virus transmitted?

WHO says that the virus spreads through fruit bats or 'flying boxes'of the genus Pteropus, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids.

In Malaysia and Singapore, human were affected with the virus when they came in contact with the excretions or secretions of infected pigs. Reports from outbreaks in Bangladesh suggest transmission from bats in the process of drinking raw palm sap contaminated with bat excrement or climbing trees coated in the same.

Symptoms of Nipah virus&nbsp;

NiV infection in humans has a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory syndrome and encephalitic syndrome marked by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death.

Treatment for Nipah virus

While there is no vaccine for either humans or animals, the primary care that humans can undergo is intensive supportive care, the WHO says.&nbsp;

Although, a vaccine is being created. A recombinant sub-unit vaccine formulation protects against lethal Nipah virus challenge in cats. ALVAC Canarypox vectored Nipah F and G vaccine appears to be a promising vaccine for swine and has potential as a vaccine for humans, WHO adds.

There is no specific treatment for the ‘rare and deadly’ virus and is a newly emerging virus, which gets transferred from animals to humans

There is an outbreak of a rare and deadly disease in Kerala called Nipah virus (NiV) which has taken lives of 10 people in the last two weeks. There is no specific treatment for the ‘rare and deadly’ virus and its reported outbreak has resulted in a panic situation in the city. What is Nipah virus? Nipah virus (NiV) infection originally emerged in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999 which causes diseases in both humans and animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. It is also closely related to Hendra virus. It first appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep. In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats, the WHO says on its website. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, WHO informed. How is Nipah virus transmitted? WHO says that the virus spreads through fruit bats or 'flying boxes'of the genus Pteropus, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. In Malaysia and Singapore, human were affected with the virus when they came in contact with the excretions or secretions of infected pigs. Reports from outbreaks in Bangladesh suggest transmission from bats in the process of drinking raw palm sap contaminated with bat excrement or climbing trees coated in the same. Symptoms of Nipah virus NiV infection in humans has a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory syndrome and encephalitic syndrome marked by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. Treatment for Nipah virus While there is no vaccine for either humans or animals, the primary care that humans can undergo is intensive supportive care, the WHO says. Although, a vaccine is being created. A recombinant sub-unit vaccine formulation protects against lethal Nipah virus challenge in cats. ALVAC Canarypox vectored Nipah F and G vaccine appears to be a promising vaccine for swine and has potential as a vaccine for humans, WHO adds.

What is the Nipah virus?

Kerala has been put on high alert after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode over the last two weeks due to a rare and deadly virus called "Nipah".

The National Virology Institute, Pune, stated that the fever has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current toll is nine.&nbsp;

"The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja as saying&nbsp;on Sunday.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has today ordered the constitution of a high-level tea, of doctors to take the situation under control in Kerala. The order was given by the minister after he reviewed the situation.

As per ANI, the&nbsp;team constituted under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has already reached Kerala. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is constantly in touch with the Kerala Health department.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a newly-emerging zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, NiV infection is linked to encephalitis, characterised by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. A person infected with Nipah virus could end ujp in a&nbsp;coma within 24-48 hours.

There is no vaccine at the moment for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care, the WHO says on its website.

The Director of Health Service in Kerala, Dr RL Sarita, took the decision to form the task force after the meeting with top health department officials. "A single window system has been put in place to monitor emergency treatment to meet any eventuality," PTI quoted her as saying.

Those who died due to the Nipah&nbsp;virus include a 50-year-old woman and her male relatives, aged 23 and 25. While the two male relatives died on May 5 and May 18 respectively, the woman died at a private hospital in the district on Saturday.

Dr Sarita told reporters that the deaths occurred due to a "rare virus" and that the health department has taken all preventive measures. "We need to ascertain which type of virus caused the deaths. Many viruses are zoonotic types and some can be transmitted through bats," she said.

She also said that the health department has issued directions to all District Medical Officers to maintain vigil and forward any information in case people with similar symptoms approach them for treatment.

"We have started special medical camps at Changarothu in Kozhikode to avoid further spread of the disease", she added.

A single-window system has also put in place in the district to coordinate and monitor emergency treatment facilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Nipah virus is a newly-emerging zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. There is no vaccine at the moment, for humans or animals

Kerala has been put on high alert after a number of people from one family died in Kozhikode over the last two weeks due to a rare and deadly virus called "Nipah". The National Virology Institute, Pune, stated that the fever has spread and also killed people in Malappuram districts over the last fortnight. With six more people succumbing to symptoms suspected to be that of the Nipah virus on Sunday, the current toll is nine. "The kind of virus that caused the disease has not been ascertained. Blood and other samples of the deceased have been sent to the National Virology Institute in Pune. The results will be made available in a few days", PTI quoted state Health Minister KK Shylaja as saying on Sunday. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has today ordered the constitution of a high-level tea, of doctors to take the situation under control in Kerala. The order was given by the minister after he reviewed the situation. As per ANI, the team constituted under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has already reached Kerala. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is constantly in touch with the Kerala Health department. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a newly-emerging zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, NiV infection is linked to encephalitis, characterised by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. A person infected with Nipah virus could end ujp in a coma within 24-48 hours. There is no vaccine at the moment for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care, the WHO says on its website. The Director of Health Service in Kerala, Dr RL Sarita, took the decision to form the task force after the meeting with top health department officials. "A single window system has been put in place to monitor emergency treatment to meet any eventuality," PTI quoted her as saying. Those who died due to the Nipah virus include a 50-year-old woman and her male relatives, aged 23 and 25. While the two male relatives died on May 5 and May 18 respectively, the woman died at a private hospital in the district on Saturday. Dr Sarita told reporters that the deaths occurred due to a "rare virus" and that the health department has taken all preventive measures. "We need to ascertain which type of virus caused the deaths. Many viruses are zoonotic types and some can be transmitted through bats," she said. She also said that the health department has issued directions to all District Medical Officers to maintain vigil and forward any information in case people with similar symptoms approach them for treatment. "We have started special medical camps at Changarothu in Kozhikode to avoid further spread of the disease", she added. A single-window system has also put in place in the district to coordinate and monitor emergency treatment facilities. (With inputs from PTI)

Kerala put on high alert after rare Nipah virus kills 9

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