Nipah virus has a solution, says scientist

It’s known that Nipah virus has become a new scare in India, Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent at large over the last two days.  Latest reports confirm that 10 deaths have been reported in the state of Kerala due to the deadly virus.  Two more persons are critical.

While it started spreading from one single family, fortunately, no new case has been reported in the last 24 hours, Kerala’s Health Minister KK Shylaja has been quoted as saying.   As soon as the virus broke out, the Centre reviewed the situation with immediate effect. “I have directed Director NCDC to visit the district and initiate required steps as warranted by the protocol for the disease in consultation with state government,” JP Nadda said.

“The deadly virus spreads from fruit bats to livestock and also to humans. Symptoms include fever, headache, respiratory illness, disorientation, coma and potential death,” a report says.

Is there a solution?  Says scientist Anand Ranganathan, “Dear JP Nadda (Union Health Minister), I plead with you again, sir. Contact Toyama Chemical Company in Japan immediately and stock up on Favipiravir (Trade name Avigan, 600 mg). Every life is precious; every life must be saved.”