Nipah Virus: Central team asks neighbouring districts to be on high alert

May 23, 2018 19:01

Neighbouring districts of Kozhikode and Mallappuram in Kerala have been put on "high alert" by a central health ministry team sent to the state in the wake of the outbreak of Nipah virus, which has already led to at least 11 deaths.

In an advisory, the central team has also asked for setting up of screening facilities of suspected cases at the exit and entry points of these districts.

According to the ministry, out of the 11 deaths so far due to the virus, eight persons have died in Kozhikode district and three in Mallappuram. Besides, nine persons were undergoing treatment and isolation wards have been opened in several hospitals in Kozhikode.

The advisory has also asked the administration to ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral. The local administration, with the help of central team, has set up a task force with a designated control room while a nodal officer has been appointed to collect data and monitor the activities to ensure preventive measures.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus.

The central team has collected samples of rabbits and pigeons in the area to ascertain if they are alternate source of infections.

"The central team has asked the neighbouring districts of Kozhikode and Malappuram in to be on high alert and ensure screening of those who have symptoms of fever, nausea, respiratory distress, at the exit and entry points.

"It has also asked them to ensure availability of isolation and emergency management facilities before referral," a senior health ministry official said.

-- PTI

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