Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kerala

The Kerala government has confirmed one case of Nipah virus in the state. A 23-year-old man from Kochi's Ernakulum has been confirmed to be infected with the Nipah virus. The six students were hospitalized earlier this week with symptoms for Nipah. Of them, five were in close contact with the 23-year-old student who tested positive. The Government said there is nothing to panic. Health department has set up treatment facilities and isolation wards at all medical colleges and district hospitals". Health officials informed that, if any person had severe cough or symptoms of encephalitis, he or she should seek immediate treatment.

National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has collected three blood samples from pigs and about 30 samples from bats from Thodupuzha in Idukki district of the state for testing. Similarly, experts from National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal are supporting Kerala's Animal Husbandry Department in the investigation of Nipah Virus. Multi-disciplinary central teams, including experts from the NCDC, AIIMS and ICMR, have been deployed to support the state in conducting contact tracing, sample testing and management of the infection.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus but it can also be transmitted from person to person and through contaminated food. World Health Organisation says that Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals.

Along with respiratory illness, it also causes, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea.

Ernakulam District Collector Mohammed Y Safirulla said special surveillance teams have been formed to track back contacts and for day-to-day monitoring. An isolation ward has been prepared at the Kalamaserry Medical College. Special ambulances have also been organised for these patients.

Last year, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts had seen an outbreak of the virus that claimed 17 lives. The team that dealt with the outbreak in Kozhikode last year will reach Ernakulum to take control measures on Nipah virus.

Source:

https://www.news18.com/news/india/ernakulam-student-suspected-to-have-nipah-virus-no-need-to-panic-says-kerala-minister-2170053.html

https://www.news18.com/news/india/no-new-cases-of-nipah-in-kerala-infected-patients-condition-improving-says-harsh-vardhan-2178989.html

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-nipah-virus-case-confirmed-1542091-2019-06-04

https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/nipah-outbreak-kerala-scare-goes-viral-1544120-2019-06-07

https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/a-team-of-scientists-arrives-in-kerala-to-find-the-source-of-nipah-virus-outbreak-119061300780_1.html