Nipah Virus: Kerala’s Resilience and Response -A Review

Abstract

The resurgence of the Nipah virus (NiV) in Kerala's Malappuram district in September 2024 has triggered widespread concern, following earlier outbreaks in July 2024 and earlier years. As an emerging zoonotic pathogen, NiV carries a high mortality rate, often exceeding 75%, compounded by the absence of approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments. While stringent public health measures and heightened awareness have successfully contained the virus in the past, the recurring outbreaks, growing transmission rates, and potentially severe neurological and respiratory impacts warrant increased vigilance. This narrative review explores NiV's impact on public health in Kerala and assesses its global threat potential by examining studies and data from various sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate and Scopus.