Two cases of the rare Nipah virus have been reported in India's state of Kerala, according to a National Institute of Virology official on Tuesday. According to the official, who wished to remain unnamed, one fatality took place this month, and another occurred on August 30. The official added that samples from two further members of the same family had been sent for testing after they were suspected of being infected. She also mentioned that the federal health ministry had received the virology institute's report. The deadly Nipah virus was first discovered in 1999 during an illness outbreak that affected pig farmers and other people in close contact with pigs in Malaysia and Singapore. The brain-damaging Nipah virus is spread to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats, pigs, or other people. The virus has no known cures or immunisations. In the region where the most recent cases were discovered, mass testing will start, and certain quarantine measures have been implemented.

Key Points

• Two cases of the rare Nipah virus have been reported in India's state of Kerala, according to a National Institute of Virology official on Tuesday.

• In the region where the most recent cases were discovered, mass testing will start, and certain quarantine measures have been implemented.