The Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly contagious and deadly zoonotic virus, capable of jumping from animals to humans. Fruit bats, commonly known as flying foxes (genus Pteropus), are the natural hosts for the Nipah virus. These infected fruit bats can transmit the virus to both humans and other animals, including pigs. At present, there are four active cases of the Nipah virus in Kerala, with two recorded fatalities in the Kozikhode district. This outbreak has occurred one year after India successfully managed the highly infectious and lethal COVID-19 virus.
As the Nipah virus continues to spread across different states in the country, it becomes essential to grasp its characteristics, encompassing symptoms and origins. While extensive discussions have revolved around the Nipah virus, the question of its name's origin is worth exploring in this article.
The Nipah virus falls within the category of zoonotic infections, signifying its transmission from animals to humans. Fruit bats, scientifically classified as the genus Pteropus or flying foxes, naturally harbor the Nipah virus. These infected fruit bats serve as a reservoir, enabling the virus's transmission to humans and other animals, notably pigs.
But what's the story behind the name "Nipah"? According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus was initially identified in the village of Sungai Nipah in Malaysia back in 1999. The virus received its name from this particular village, Sungai Nipah. While the exact origins of the Nipah virus remain partly elusive, it is believed that the virus had been lurking in fruit bats for an extended period. There's a possibility that the virus had triggered outbreaks in other nations even before Malaysia witnessed its first reported Nipah virus outbreak in 1999.
Since the initial outbreak in Malaysia, Nipah virus epidemics have also manifested in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. These nations now view the virus as a serious public health threat.
Also read: Nipah virus in Kerala: Can spread of virus cause epidemic in India? Know how dangerous Nipah is
