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Nipah Virus Outbreak in Kerala: Current Status and Government Response
Kerala is currently monitoring a growing number of individuals who have come into contact with the Nipah virus. According to the state’s Health Minister, Veena George, there are currently 674 people on the Nipah contact list across the state. These individuals are being closely monitored as part of the ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak.
Distribution of Contact List Across Districts
The contact list includes individuals from various districts, with the highest numbers coming from Palakkad and Malappuram. Specifically:
- Malappuram: 131 individuals
- Palakkad: 426 individuals
- Kozhikode: 115 individuals
- Ernakulam and Thrissur: One individual each
In Malappuram, 12 individuals are under isolation and receiving treatment. So far, 88 samples have tested negative for the virus. As these individuals complete their isolation period, they are being removed from the contact list. A total of 81 people from Malappuram, two from Palakkad, and one from Ernakulam have been successfully discharged from the monitoring program.
Isolation and Risk Categories
In Palakkad, 17 individuals are currently in isolation. The state has categorized 32 people into the highest-risk group, while 111 individuals are under high-risk monitoring. This classification helps authorities prioritize resources and interventions based on the potential threat posed by each case.
The Health Minister has also directed the One Health Centre for Nipah Research to document all relevant details related to the outbreak. Additionally, an ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) team visited Malappuram to assess the situation and provide expert guidance.
Second Nipah Case Reported in Palakkad
The recent developments come after Kerala reported its second Nipah case in the Palakkad district. A 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur near Mannarkkad tested positive for the virus following his death at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. His samples were confirmed positive after testing at Manjeri Medical College.
The health minister emphasized that a contact list has been prepared in this case, and the government is awaiting confirmation from the Pune Institute of Virology. The patient died on July 12, and the test results were received shortly after.
Enhanced Surveillance and Alert Measures
In response to the second case, an alert has been issued to hospitals in several districts, including Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Thrissur. Hospitals have been instructed to report any cases of fever or encephalitis with symptoms consistent with Nipah infection.
Field-level activities have been intensified in the affected areas, and fever surveillance continues. Mobile tower location data is also being used to track potential spread. The health minister has directed teams to be strengthened in case another case is identified.
Current Treatment and Monitoring
Currently, ten people are under treatment in Malappuram, with two of them in intensive care. The state has now categorized 36 individuals as being in the highest-risk group and 128 under high-risk monitoring. This ensures that those most vulnerable receive timely medical attention and support.
The government remains vigilant, with continuous monitoring and proactive measures in place to prevent further spread of the virus. Public awareness campaigns and strict protocols in healthcare facilities are key components of the response strategy.
As the situation evolves, authorities will continue to update the public on the status of the outbreak and the steps being taken to protect the population.
