Nipah virus: Kerala has once again been hit by a possible infection of Nipah virus. Nipah virus is being held responsible for the death of a person in Palakkad district on 12 June. The state government has issued an alert in six districts and the monitoring system has been intensified.
Sample sent for confirmation
State Health Minister Veena George informed that the sample of the deceased was sent to Manjiri Medical College for testing, where Nipah infection was confirmed. Now for the final confirmation of this investigation, the sample has been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.
Second suspected death, government alert
It has been reported that earlier in Malappuram district, a person was expected to die of Nipah infection. Both patients were being treated in a private hospital in Palakkad. Due to two consecutive suspicious deaths, the Health Department has started taking high -level vigilance in the state.
Contact tracing fast, identify 46 primary contacts
The Health Department said that 46 people who came in contact with the deceased have been identified. 543 others came in contact with these 46 people, whose contact list is also being prepared. All the persons concerned are being monitored and tests are being done immediately on appearing symptoms.
Nipah alert released in 6 districts
To prevent the spread of infection, the state government has issued medical alerts in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur districts. Instructions have been given to hospitals that it will be mandatory to conduct Nipah test in case of high fever, headache, vomiting and neurological symptoms.
Advisory issued for hospitals
The state government has issued advisory to all hospitals, including special training for health workers and instructions to keep isolation wards ready for suspected patients.
What is Nipah virus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah is a Juneotic virus, which can spread from animals to humans and humans. The disease mainly spreads from exposure to fruit bats and infected animals. Symptoms include high fever, difficulty in breathing and serious problems related to the brain.
The Kerala government is fully cautious about the return of Nipah virus. The Health Department has not only accelerated the contact tracing, but has also issued necessary guidelines to hospitals to deal with the infection. Now everyone’s eyes are on the confirmation report from Pune NIV.
