Nipah Virus mortality rate much higher than COVID-19, India seeks aid from Australia

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.

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