Kerala Nipah Alert: 57-Year-Old Man Dies, Health Dept Intensifies Surveillance
Palakkad (The Uttam Hindu): A new suspected case of Nipah virus infection has emerged in Palakkad district of Kerala. A 57-year-old man from the district died on July 12, and initial investigations have found symptoms of Nipah virus in him. After this incident, the state government has increased vigilance and the campaign to identify suspected contacts has been intensified.
Nipah virus strikes again in Kerala, 57-year-old man dies; State government increases tracing : State Health Minister Veena George said that the deceased was being treated at a private hospital in Palakkad. His samples were tested at Manjeri Medical College, where initial signs of infection with Nipah virus were found. However, the report from the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) is awaited to confirm the infection.
This is the second death from Nipah virus in Kerala in recent days. Earlier, a resident of Malappuram had died of Nipah infection, while another patient from Palakkad is still admitted in the hospital.
The Health Department has prepared a list of 46 people who came in contact with the deceased. CCTV footage and mobile tower location data are being used to identify them. The scope of surveillance and fever testing in the area has also been increased. Minister Veena George said that in view of the seriousness of the situation, instructions have been given to increase the number of response teams.
The administration has appealed to the people of Palakkad and Malappuram districts to avoid visiting hospitals unnecessarily. Limiting contact has been advised when visiting a patient, and only one person is being allowed to accompany them as an attendant.
The Health Ministry has clarified that all visitors to hospitals — patients, attendants and health workers — will be required to wear masks at all times. Meanwhile, the Health Minister's office has issued instructions to hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Thrissur districts to remain on Nipah alert. Hospitals have been asked to immediately report any patient with high fever or symptoms of Nipah encephalitis.
The state government has increased vigilance in all districts and has said that quarantine and isolation arrangements will also be activated if needed. The health department is constantly monitoring the situation and the general public has been appealed not to pay attention to rumors.
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