Stellar Snippets
Two people died from the outbreak of the Nipah virus (NIV) and at least three more were hospitalized after testing positive in Kerala, India.
This is the fourth outbreak of NIV in the southern Indian state since 2018, killing at least 25 people.
Schools and colleges have been shut and public transport suspended as authorities track down almost 800 potential contacts.
First discovered in Singapore and Malaysia, its natural host is now known to be fruit bats, though the 1999 Malaysian outbreaks were in pigs and goats according to WHO.
The outbreak has also been attributed to the reduction of animal habitats and the proximity of animal-human habitats.
According to the CDC, initial symptoms could include headache, fever, and cough while drowsiness, seizures, and a coma are the more severe signs of NIV.
Prevention includes the cleaning and disinfection of pig farms, decreasing bat access to date palm sap, and using protective gear when handling sick animals.
Washing hands, feet, and fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking are some other good hygiene practices to follow.