Nipah virus transmission: Will it spread through air? Here’s what ICMR study found

At a time when Kerala is on a Nipah alert, with around 498 people under surveillance, the Indian Institute of Medical Research has released a study on whether the virus spreads through air. In the study, which was conducted to investigate why people without direct contact with Nipah-positive patients are contracting the virus, it was found that the virus can also spread through the air. The research, done by former professor of the department of virology at CMC, Vellore, Dr T Jacob John; Niveditha Gupta and Manoj Vanth Murekar observed that the virus comes in contact with air molecules through the urine and droppings of the infected bats. Those who inhale these air molecules could then get infected with the Nipah virus.

The study also found that the virus could stay active for 30 minutes at 22 – 37 degrees Celsius and travel great distances through the air. The presence of fruit bats in the vicinity is not always the reason for a Nipah outbreak. The study assumes that Nipah could be reported in Kerala, although not as intensely as before, and that the virus may have been spread through the air. Various reports in the past have claimed that Kerala experiences repeated Nipah outbreaks due to the state's ecology, its dense tree cover, and the presence of numerous fruit bats, which act as hosts for the virus.

How Nipah generally spreads
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Nipah spreads mainly through fruit bats, pigs, goats, horses, cats and dogs. It spreads when animals or people have contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals. Eating foods contaminated by an infected animal can also result in its spread. Those in close contact with Nipah-positive patients can also be at risk of contracting the disease.

How to stay safe
1) Wear a mask and ensure your hands are kept clean.
2) Avoid exposure to sick animals like pigs and bats, especially in areas that are prone to transmission.
3) Avoid visiting Nipah-positive patients. If you are the caregiver, ensure that you wear a mask, gloves, and take other necessary precautions.
4) Nipah can spread through respiratory droplets, too. Maintain cough hygiene and use clean clothing, especially if you are in an environment prone to Nipah.