After the outbreak of the Nipah virus in Malappuram, Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that the state is fully prepared to tackle the issue.
A 14-year-old boy tested positive for Nipah virus in Kerala’s Malappuram on Saturday.
“NIV Pune has confirmed that the suspected case of a 14-year-old boy is Nipah positive. A contact list of the boys will be prepared and the samples of those in a high-risk category will be sent for testing. A meeting will be held with the district collector and district police chief to discuss the restrictions to be imposed in the 3 km radius of the epicentre. Residents of Malappuram should wear masks compulsorily and remain cautious,” George said.
The Health Minister said that after the Nipah virus was confirmed in Malappuram, preventive measures have intensified. On the basis of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) formed as part of the government order for Nipah control, 25 committees have been constituted. Contact tracing started on Saturday morning.
“There are 214 people in the primary contact list. 60 people who were closely involved in this are in the high risk category. 30 isolation rooms have been arranged in Manjeri Medical College. Apart from this, necessary isolation wards have also been arranged in Kozhikode Medical College. Route map will be published,” she added.
George said that all high-risk contacts will have their samples tested. The patient has been shifted to Kozhikode Medical College. A 24-hour control room has been opened.
Those with Nipah symptoms have been asked to call the control room. Fever can be accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: headache, fits cough, or difficulty in breathing.
“If you have respiratory symptoms, you are more likely to spread it to others. In case of Nipah disease, the symptoms may increase with time,” she added.
She further asserted that people need not be afraid, and must take cautionary measures.
George also convened a high-level meeting on Saturday in the Malappuram district after the reports of a suspected case in the state.
The meeting discussed the measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of the public. The officials also reviewed the current situation and the steps taken so far to control the outbreak.
Last month, the Kerala Health Minister announced that Nipah prevention efforts will be intensified in the state, particularly during the critical months of May to September, when the virus is most likely to spread.