Kerala: The resurgence of the Nipah virus is sending ripples of concern throughout Kerala, especially in the Kozhikode district. With two more individuals testing positive for the virus, the total number of cases has risen, and two tragic fatalities have already occurred. The gravity of the situation has prompted the state government to establish a dedicated control room, urging people to don masks as a preventive measure. The Health Department has also issued a statewide alert to raise awareness.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the issue on his Facebook page, confirming Nipah virus infections in Kozhikode district. He reported that two out of four individuals tested positive for the virus, while the remaining two received negative results. In an effort to quell panic, he emphasized the importance of adhering to Health Department guidelines and cooperating fully with imposed restrictions.
Among those afflicted, a 9-year-old boy has also fallen victim to the Nipah virus, according to State Health Minister Veena George. She revealed that the infection was confirmed in samples from a patient who tragically passed away on Tuesday, as well as two others currently receiving medical treatment. Initially, the first case on August 30 was attributed to liver cirrhosis comorbidity.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has verified the Nipah virus infections in Kerala. The central government is closely monitoring the situation and has dispatched a team to Kerala to assist the state government in managing the Nipah virus outbreak. Every reported case is under strict government surveillance.
Mandaviya said on Tuesday, Two deaths reported from Kerala’s Kozhikode district were caused by Nipah virus.
He said a central team of experts has been sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the state government in the management of the Nipah virus infection.
Two “unnatural deaths” following fever were reported from Kozhikode on Monday. Relatives of one of the deceased are also admitted to the ICU, the Kerala health department said in a statement issued last night.
Following the deaths, the health department sounded an alert in the district.
It has been confirmed that the two deaths reported from Kozhikode were caused by Nipah virus, Mandaviya told reporters.
A central team of experts has been sent to the state to take stock of the situation. It will also help the state government in the management of the infection, he said.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George chaired a high-level meeting to evaluate the situation in Kozhikode.
She said the entire health machinery in the district is on alert. Kozhikode had also reported deaths due to Nipah virus in 2018 and 2021.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted to people from animals. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or from one person to another.
Nipah Virus Symptoms: Doctors have outlined the key symptoms of Nipah virus infection, including high fever, sore throat, headaches, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the infection can lead to atypical pneumonia and even encephalitis, with affected individuals possibly falling into a coma for up to 48 hours. Vigilance and timely medical intervention are crucial in addressing this emerging health threat.