Nipah virus: Scientists achieve breakthrough in vaccine development

Thiruvananthapuram: Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) at Thonnakkal here have made significant progress in developing a vaccine against the deadly Nipah virus. They are hopeful that a vaccine could be manufactured by utilizing the Nipah virus itself, combining its three genes through genetic engineering, and cloning a non-contagious strain of the virus. This research aims to develop a monoclonal antibody against the virus. Studies of the highly fatal Nipah virus can be conducted only in laboratories with stringent security measures. Currently, only the Virology Institute in Pune has the necessary facilities. However, since the virus strains developed at the IAV laboratory are non-contagious, such experiments can be performed in laboratories with reduced levels of biosafety facilities. The studies were led by senior principal scientist Dr. Mohanan Valiyaveettil. The research team included Dr Arathi Rajan Nair, Anuja S. Nair, Vinod Soman Pillai, Dr Binod Kumar, Dr Anupa R. Pai, and Bimitha Benny.

Government prepares action calendar
The Kerala government said recently that a special action calendar is being prepared for the prevention of a Nipah outbreak, which has haunted the state on four occasions in the past. Nipah outbreaks had been reported in Kozhikode district of Kerala in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019, and the presence of Nipah virus antibodies had been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam districts. The calendar is being prepared by including activities for the entire year, especially from May to September, the period when the zoonotic virus is likely to spread, state Health Minister Veena George said.