Kerala reports second Nipah virus death; 6 districts on alert
What's the story
A 57-year-old man from Palakkad district, Kerala, died on July 12 allegedly after contracting the Nipah virus. His samples tested positive for the virus at Manjeri Medical College, Health Minister Veena George said. The National Institute of Virology in Pune is expected to confirm these results soon. This incident marks the second suspected Nipah-related death in Kerala recently.
Public health response
Contact tracing and field-level surveillance
In light of the suspected case, authorities have intensified contact tracing and field-level surveillance. A list of 46 people who came into contact with the patient has been prepared using CCTV footage and mobile tower location data. Health teams are also conducting fever surveillance in the region to identify any other potential cases. Furthermore, Nipah alert has been issued to hospitals across six districts. The advisory has been sent to medical facilities in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur.
Virus impact
What is Nipah virus?
The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and through contaminated food or direct human-to-human contact. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists symptoms such as headaches, breathing difficulties, coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle pain, and severe weakness. In extreme cases, it can lead to disorientation, seizures, and encephalitis.
Public advisory
Advisory against unnecessary hospital visits
The Kerala government has also issued an advisory against unnecessary hospital visits in the Palakkad and Malappuram districts. Only one person is permitted to accompany a patient as a bystander. The Kerala government has mandated that healthcare workers and visitors must wear masks at all times to prevent further transmission of the virus.