Shillong, September 13: Kerala Health Minister Veena George informed the State Assembly that all necessary measures are in place to contain the spread of the Nipah virus, which has infected four individuals in Kozhikode.
As per IANS, among the four confirmed cases, two individuals have tragically lost their lives, while the others are receiving intensive medical care within the district.
The Health Minister revealed that a team of experts from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, along with epidemiological specialists from Chennai, will soon arrive in Kozhikode. Additionally, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been tasked with ensuring the availability of monoclonal antibody medicines for Nipah patients.
Kozhikode currently has two identified epicenters of the virus, and district authorities are diligently monitoring the situation. A comprehensive route map of the four infected patients will be prepared shortly.
To contain the outbreak, 43 wards in seven village councils have been designated as “containment” zones. In these areas, all businesses except medical shops and state government revenue offices are directed to remain closed. Schools in these zones will continue with online education.
Minister George reported that health authorities have identified 168 individuals, including 127 healthcare professionals, who had contact with the infected persons. She emphasized the importance of wearing masks for everyone in the district.
The Nipah virus cases in Kozhikode are located approximately 15 km from the site of the initial Nipah virus outbreak in southern India in May 2018, followed by another outbreak in 2021. Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread through contaminated food or close contact.