Prelims Perspective: What needs to be learned?

• What is the Nipah Virus?
• What are Zoonotic Diseases?

Mains Perspective: Notes need to be prepared

• Health (GS II- Social Justice)
• Diseases (GS III – Science and Technology)

What needs to be known?

• Nipah Virus
  • What is it?: It is a zoonotic disease hosted by Fruit Bats.
  • Transmission
    • Animal-to-human: From infected bats or pigs through secretions or contaminated fruit (sap, partially eaten fruits).
    • Human-to-human: Through close contact with body fluids of infected persons, especially in hospital settings (nosocomial transmission).
    • Environment-to-human: Contaminated surfaces or food items (e.g., raw date palm sap).
  • Diagnosis Tests: Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), ELISA for antibodies (IgM, IgG)
  • Treatment
    • No specific antiviral drug or vaccine yet (for humans or animals).
    • Only ensure supportive care.

Source: The Hindu