NIPAH (NiV) a virus mostly carried by fruit bats is causing large-scale panic in Kerala which is under control now. Around 16 deaths were reported in the state over 15days. Nipah was first identified in Malaysia in 1998. This infection was first reported in India in 2001 and six years later, which claimed almost 50 lives. Nipah includes flu-like symptoms that often lead to encephalitis and coma. According to WHO, fruit bats are the main carrier of NIPAH virus, for which there is no vaccination available. Dr. Rajeev Soman, MBBS, MD and FIDSA, Consultant Physician & Infectious Diseases Specialist, Jupiter Hospital, Baner explained more about this disease and how to prevent this type of disease. Q1. What is Nipah? Ans- It is a Paramyxovirus (RNA virus) which has been responsible for causing disease in South and South East Asia. It was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia/ Singapore in 1998-99, and is named after the village where it started. Q2. How does it spr