Kerala, a state in southern India has been put under lockdown following an outbreak of Nipah virus.
Nipah Virus has so far claimed the lives of two people and five have been infected.
According to health authorities in Kozhikode district, where the outbreak has occurred, they have instituted “containment zones” in the area and schools have been closed.
“76 people who came into contact with the infected are being closely monitored for signs of the disease,” health authorities said.
What is Nipah Virus?
Nipah virus was first detected in Malaysia in 1978 and it caused 265 cases and 105 deaths. It is spread through contact with fluids of infected bats, pigs, and people.
This is the fourth Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, with 2018 having the most deadly. It haf 18 laboratory-confirmed cases and five suspected cases, 17 of whom died.