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News Topical, Digital Desk : Another possible case of Nipah virus in Kerala has raised concerns. A 57-year-old man from Palakkad district died on July 12 and is suspected to have been infected with Nipah virus. In view of this, the government has increased surveillance in the area along with identifying people who came in contact with him recently.
State Health Minister Veena George said the deceased was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Palakkad district. His samples were tested at Manjeri Medical College, where initial signs of Nipah virus infection were found. The government is now awaiting a confirmation report from the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Increasing cases of Nipah virus
This is the second suspected case of Nipah virus-related death in Kerala in recent days. Earlier, a resident of Malappuram had recently died of the infection, while another patient from Palakkad district is still hospitalised.
In view of the new case, the government has started strict surveillance in the area. A list of 46 people who came in contact with the suspected infected has been prepared. CCTV footage and mobile tower location data are also being used to identify these people. Health teams are monitoring fever in the area, so that any possible symptoms in other people can be detected early. Given the seriousness of the situation, officials have also been instructed to increase the response team.
Guidelines for hospitals
Officials have urged people in Palakkad and Malappuram districts to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals, especially under the current circumstances. Visits from friends or relatives undergoing treatment have been advised to be limited and only one attendant allowed to accompany the patient. Additionally, it has been made mandatory for health workers and all hospital visitors, including patients and their attendants, to wear masks at all times.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister has issued a Nipah alert to hospitals in six districts - Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur. These hospitals have been instructed to immediately report any patient with fever and symptoms of Nipah encephalitis (such as high fever).
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