Health Minister Confirms Nipah Virus in Kerala: Four Cases Reported
Kozhikode, Kerala –
The Health Minister of Kerala, Veena George, has officially confirmed four cases of Nipah virus in the state. Of these four cases, two individuals have unfortunately succumbed to the disease, while the other two are currently receiving treatment. The confirmation came after the Pune Institute of Virology provided sample test results to the Minister.
Earlier, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavya had informed about the Nipah virus being confirmed in the two deceased individuals. However, the state did not initially confirm this information.
The first case of Nipah was initially identified in a 9-year-old son of one of the deceased individuals and the 24-year-old brother-in-law, who is currently under treatment. Fortunately, a four-year-old girl and the brother-in-law’s ten-month-old baby tested negative for the virus.
The Health Minister stated that they are currently seeking details of individuals who have come into contact with the confirmed cases. Currently, seven people are receiving treatment, and the Minister announced that control measures will be intensified in the two locations where the disease originated.
It was revealed that the deceased individual had come into contact with the infected person at the hospital. Additionally, the Minister announced mandatory mask-wearing in the Kozhikode district, specifically if Nipah is confirmed. However, the Minister assured the public that there is no need to panic as they have prior experience in dealing with Nipah outbreaks.
Contact List and Surveillance Measures Implemented
As part of the efforts to contain the spread of the virus, a total of 168 individuals have been identified on the contact list. The initial case had 158 people on its contact list, with 127 being healthcare workers, while the remaining 31 are direct contacts of the infected individuals. In the second case, over 100 people have been identified, but only ten have been officially recognized. Control rooms have been set up to coordinate the efforts, and individuals on the contact list will be divided into high-risk and low-risk categories.
To assist in contact tracing, CCTV footage from hospitals visited by the infected individuals will be reviewed to determine close contacts. Police assistance will also be sought in this process.
The results of the test are expected to be released at 8:30 PM. If the results confirm Nipah, the locations the individuals visited will be announced. The Department of Forestry and the Department of Animal Welfare will lead a survey on the habitat of bats, as they are known carriers of the virus. Furthermore, three central teams will arrive on Wednesday to support the efforts in Kerala.
The Minister emphasized that there is no cause for alarm and assured that the health department and the government will provide clear instructions. Individuals on the contact list were advised to contact the call center if they develop any symptoms.
Block Level Meeting Addresses Nipah Concerns
In response to the situation, a block-level review meeting was held at Nadapuram guest house in Thuneri, chaired by MLA EK Vijayan. The meeting stressed that individuals in the primary contact zone should avoid contact with others and refrain from unnecessary visits to hospitals and mortuaries. Additionally, it was decided to convene panchayat vigilance committee meetings if required, based on the report from the Pune Institute of Virology.
The meeting was attended by Thuneri Block Panchayat President KP Vanaja, Panchayat Presidents VV Muhammadali, KP Pradish, Naseema Kottaril, P. Shahina, NP Padmini, Vanimeel Panchayat Vice President Salmaraju, Nadapuram Taluk Hospital Superintendent Dr. Santosh Kumar, as well as Medical Officers and Health Inspectors from various primary health centers.
Conclusion
As the Nipah virus cases continue to emerge in Kerala, authorities are working diligently to trace all potential contacts and implement necessary surveillance measures. With past experience in successfully managing Nipah outbreaks, the health department and government remain confident in containing the spread of the virus and ensuring the well-being of the public.
Kozhikode ∙ Health Minister Veena George has confirmed Nipah in four people in Kerala. Two people who have died and two people who are receiving treatment have been confirmed infected. Veena George shared more information about Nipah after getting sample test results from the Pune Institute of virology. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandavya had earlier informed that Nipah has been confirmed for the two deceased but the state did not confirm.
Nipah was first confirmed by the deceased’s 9-year-old son and 24-year-old brother-in-law, who is undergoing treatment. A four-year-old girl is negative. Brother-in-law’s ten-month-old baby is also negative. The minister said they are seeking details of those who have been in contact with confirmed Nipah patients. A total of 7 people are receiving treatment. The health minister also said that control will be tightened in two places where the disease originates.
The person who died yesterday first came into contact with the deceased person from the hospital. The Minister also said that masks have been made mandatory in Kozhikode district in case Nipah is confirmed. The minister said that there is no need to worry as we have experience of surviving Nipah.
“There are a total of 168 people on the contact list. There are 158 people on the contact list of the first case. 127 of them are health workers. The remaining 31 people are at home and around. The contact list in the second case has more than 100 people. However, only 10 people have been identified. Control rooms have started functioning. Those on the contact list will be categorized as high risk and low risk. CCTV footage from the hospitals they visited will be checked to find out who they were in close contact with. Police assistance will also be sought.
He has been informed that the result of the test will come around 8.30 pm. If the result of the test comes and it is positive, the information about the places they have gone will be published. A survey will be conducted regarding the habitat of bats led by the Department of Forestry and the Department of Animal Welfare. 3 central teams will arrive on Wednesday. No one should worry. The health department and the government will give clear instructions in this regard. Those included in the contact list should contact the call center if they have any symptoms,” said the minister.
∙ A block level meeting was held
A block level review meeting was held in Thuneri at Nadapuram guest house under the chairmanship of EK Vijayan MLA. Those in the primary contact zone should stay away from others. Unnecessary visits to hospital and mortuary should be completely avoided. After the Pune Institute of virology report, it was decided to call panchayat vigilance committee meetings if needed.
In the meeting, Thuneri Block Panchayat President KP Vanaja, Panchayat Presidents VV Muhammadali, KP Pradish, Naseema Kottaril, P. Shahina, NP Padmini, Vanimeel Panchayat Vice President Salmaraju, Nadapuram Taluk Hospital Superintendent Dr. Santosh Kumar, Medical Officers and Health Inspectors from various primary health centers participated.
English Summary: Nipah Virus: 168 people on contact list; said Minister Veena George
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