Explained: What is the rare, brain-damaging virus that is spreading in Kerala?

The Nipah virus spreads to human bodies primarily through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of food products exposed to saliva or urine from infected bats

Nipah virus outbreak grows to six cases in Kerala. Image Courtesy: iStock

Kerala, the southernmost Indian state, has become the epicentre of an alarming development. A rare virus with the ability to cause brain damage has been identified in the blood samples of the affected patients. With high fatality rates ranging from 40 to 75 percent, the outbreak is raising concerns among experts who view it as a potential epidemic risk.

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