Nipah Virus mortality rate much higher than COVID-19, India seeks aid from Australia
First Published: 16th September, 2023 12:10 IST
According to Dr. Bahl, Nipah virus has a mortality rate ranging from 40-70%, while COVID-19's mortality rate is only 2-3%
The Chief of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl, stated on Friday that the mortality rate for Nipah virus infection is much higher compared to COVID-19.
According to Dr Bahl, the Nipah virus has a mortality rate ranging from 40-70%, while COVID-19’s mortality rate is only 2-3%.
A new case of Nipah virus was confirmed in Kozhikode, Kerala, bringing the total number of infected individuals in the state to six. Sadly, two of these cases have resulted in fatalities.
In response to the increasing cases in Kerala, India has requested Australia to provide 20 additional doses of monoclonal antibody for treating Nipah virus infections. The ICMR, recognizing the recurring outbreaks of the Nipah virus in the southern state and its high mortality rate in comparison to COVID-19, is planning to begin work on developing a vaccine for this viral disease.
Dr. Bahl mentioned that India had received some doses of monoclonal antibody from Australia in 2018, but currently, there are only enough doses for 10 patients. He also noted that 14 individuals who contracted the Nipah virus outside India have fully recovered after receiving monoclonal antibody treatment. However, he clarified that only phase 1 trials to establish the safety of this medicine have been conducted outside India, and efficacy trials have not yet been completed. It can only be administered as a compassionate use medicine.
Due to the rising number of cases, all educational institutions in Kozhikode will be closed for a week, starting today. Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, disclosed that the contact list of Nipah virus patients in Kerala has expanded to 1,080 people, with 327 of them being healthcare workers.
Also Read: PM Modi remains leader with highest Global Approval Ratings after G20: Morning Consult
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma inspects installation of waste segregation machine in Tura
06th May 2024Live Rain, haistorm in Meghalaya: CM Conrad instructs DDMAs to distribute urgent relief materials
06th May 2024Live Heavy rain and hailstorm batter Manipur: over 15000 houses damaged, govt provides relief materials
06th May 2024Live Watch | Team India’s T20 World Cup jersey unveiled in magnificent style in Dharamsala
06th May 2024WE RECOMMEND
Amit Shah, Dimple Yadav and ‘Battle of Baramati’: Key candidates in Lok Sabha polls phase-3
The battle for 'Pawar' legacy took an interesting turn when Ajit Pawar decided to field his wife Sunetra against his sister Supriya Sule.
06th May 2024J-K: IAF soldier injured in terrorist attack in Poonch dies, search operation underway
Security personnel on Sunday morning conducted a search operation following a terrorist attack.
05th May 2024IAF takes delivery of second C295 transport aircraft
In a statement, Airbus Defence and Space said that of the total 56 aircraft ordered by the Indian customer, 16 will be produced by Airbus in Seville, Spain.
04th May 2024Suspense continues over Rahul, Priyanka’s candidatures from Raebareli and Amethi; final decision today
The sources added that along with Congress leaders, its partners in the INDIA bloc also suggested that Rahul contest Amethi.
02nd May 2024Close to 100 schools in Delhi-NCR get bomb threat mails. Who sent the mails? What is the truth?
According to Delhi Police, the bomb threats sent via email to schools originated from Russia, as indicated by the IP address of the email, which was traced back to the domain "mail.ru"
01st May 2024