The first outbreak of Nipah was recorded in 1998 after the virus spread among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. This virus is named after the village where it was discovered.
Experts say Nipah infects humans directly through contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats and pigs, with some documented cases of transmission between humans. Fruit bats urinate on and contaminate fruits that people eat and spread viruses to them, causing them to become sick and even die.
Authorities in Kerala have begun mass testing to contain the outbreak and spread of the deadly Nipah virus, a rare but bat-borne severe disease that causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans after six people died. And can cause respiratory infections. And many more infections.
The state administration has banned public gatherings and schools have been closed indefinitely since last week, as this fourth outbreak in the previous five years has created fear and panic among residents of Kozhikode, the Nipah stronghold.
According to the World Health Organization, this virus has a mortality rate of between 40-75 percent and there is no known vaccine, and the usual treatment is to provide supportive care.