Thread by @SanskarBarot

Illegal research on Nipah Virus in Kerala last year and the current outbreak of today. What's the connect??

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CDC USA had partnered with Manipal Center For Virus Research (MCVR) in Kerala to carry out illness surveillance across India. They in cohorts studied NIPAH VIRUS - A pathogen which is of Risk Group 4 (RG 4 Classification)

RG4 Viruses are lethal and their handling needs to be strictly monitored. Since, they can be turned to biological weapons - If not handled with care. Moreoever they require lab with biological safety level 4 (BSL4) Criteria to study it. Which MCVR doesn't have.

MCVR had carried out tests on the Nipah virus during the 2018 & 2019 outbreak in Kerala. Apprehension of Govt officials was - they were aiming to create a vaccine, who IPR wouldn't have been with India. More importantly understanding how virulent forms reacted to human body.

Surprisingly MCVR was designated as testing agencies by Govt of Kerala during the outbreak of Nipah Virus. Current concern which remains is more such detailed studies on NIPAH VIRUS ongoing with questionable sources of funding and western involvement.

As per current govt of India directives all activities wrt to such research on Nipah Virus were ordered to be immediately stopped. Along with CDC has been ordered to stop AFI Surveillance (which tracks mystery diseases in chosen govt hospitals).

Thankfully by swift actions of MHA - FCRA Account of Manipal Institute of Higher Education has been suspended for using foreign funds to research on lethal biological pathogen in a lab not fit for the same.

Now let's understand why Nipah Virus is considered a lethal pathogen along with the fact that it can be used for Bio Warfare -

Nipah Virus can be easily produced in large quantities through cell culture, which is an important criteria to consider it as a biological weapon.
According to a research conducted on the same its even possible to stabilize it as a chemical agent for widespread dispersal.

Apart from infecting humans, the virus can also infect live stock, domestic animals and wildlife, thus causing additional panic and paranoia to the population.
As Complete genome of Nipah Virus has been characterized, desirable genetic manipulation remains achievable.

As of Now CDC has been put on watchlist by govt of India givens its questionable role with MCVR for this research on Nipah Virus. However, threat of Nipah Virus remains imminent & looms large.

There is much more to it and am currently researching on the same. If you like what I shared above and would like another thread on the same - let me know via comments.

Har Har Mahadev!!