MUMBAI: The state has issued a precautionary advisory on the Nipah virus, saying that while the disease does not currently pose immediate threat in the state, it is essential for all health systems to be vigilant.
The public health department has asked all districts to hold surveys for acute fever and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and to prepare preventive and control measures.
The warning follows six cases of Nipah infection detected in Kerala, of which two have died and four are being treated. The state has so far traced 1,233 contacts who have been categorised into ‘high-risk’ and ‘low-risk’ contacts. All areas in and around Kozhikode, where the index case travelled, have been declared containment zones.
Nipah virus, which has a mortality rate of 40%-70%, was first identified in Malaysia in 1998. In India, the first case was reported in Siliguri in 2001 and in West Bengal in 2007. Kerala faced outbreaks of Nipah disease in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2021.
Nipah can be transmitted from person to person. Medical staff treating patients, relatives of patients can get infected as well, said state officials, as seen in Kerala. The symptoms can take five to 14 days to manifest. Symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, body aches, headache, drowsiness, mental confusion. The state said National Institute of Virology, Pune, can test throat, nasal, urine and blood samples by RTCPR. TNN
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The Kerala government is taking measures to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus after two deaths and three infections. The virus, first identified in 1999, is a zoonosis transmitted from animals to humans. It is hosted by fruit bats and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected bats and pigs, consumption of fruits eaten by infected bats, or contact with infected individuals. There is currently no vaccine for the virus, so prevention involves avoiding exposure to sick animals and bats, as well as refraining from eating fruits bitten by bats.
Nipah virus outbreak: Sixth case confirmed in Kerala
Another case of Nipah virus infection has been confirmed in Kozhikode, Kerala, bringing the total number of cases to six in the district. The 39-year-old man had sought treatment at a private hospital where previous Nipah-positive patients had been treated for other ailments. A central team, including experts, has arrived in the district to assess the situation and assist with managing the outbreak. Vigilance has also been increased in the neighboring Malappuram district after a woman with suspected Nipah symptoms was admitted to a medical college.
Kerala: Nipah virus checking at checkposts
Medical checking for the Nipah virus has been increased at six inter-state check posts in Palakkad-Coimbatore districts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. At the Walayar check post, vehicles were diverted through service roads and only emergency vehicles were allowed through. Passengers’ temperatures are being checked and those with fever symptoms are being closely monitored. Officials from the Tamil Nadu health and police departments have warned that checking will be intensified if more Nipah cases are reported, as there is heavy traffic between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They are following guidelines to prevent the virus from spreading.