The Nipah virus has been a cause of concern due to its high fatality rate and the ease with which it can spread. Originating in fruit bats, the virus has been linked to severe outbreaks in various parts of the world, including India. A recent case in Malappuram, Kerala, highlights the potential danger posed by fruit bats when a 14-year-old boy succumbed to the virus after consuming infected hog plum fruit.
This incident shows the need for public awareness about the transmission of the Nipah virus through fruits contaminated by fruit bats. Fruit bats, particularly the Pteropus species, are identified as the primary reservoir of the Nipah virus. These bats are known to harbour the virus without showing symptoms, making them silent carriers.
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have found Nipah virus antibodies in samples collected from fruit bats in regions like Kozhikode, connecting the link between these mammals and the virus. Fruit bats can shed the virus in their saliva, urine, and faeces. When these excretions come into contact with fruits, the virus can be transmitted to humans who consume the contaminated produce.
This was evident in the recent Malappuram case, where the boy's consumption of hog plum fruit, a known favourite of fruit bats, led to his infection . The transmission of the Nipah virus from bats to humans typically occurs through the consumption of fruits contaminated by bat excretions. Infected fruit bats can also transmit the virus to other animals, such as pigs, dogs, and cats, which can then act as intermediate hosts, further spreading the virus to humans.
This zoonotic transmission pathway has been observed in multiple outbreaks, including the notable ones in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2023. Once the virus infects humans, it can cause severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, including fever, headache, dizziness, and in severe cases, encephalitis leading to coma or death. The high mortality rate associated with Nipah virus infections, ranging from 40% to 75%, depending on the outbreak, makes it a particularly deadly pathogen.
Given the significant risk posed by fruit bats, it is important to adopt preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of Nipah virus infection. Here are some practical steps to protect yourself and your family:.
