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A 57-year-old man from Palakkad district in Kerala died on July 12 and is suspected to be infected with the Nipah virus. In view of this, the government has increased surveillance in the area along with identifying the people who came in contact with him recently. State Health Minister Veena George said in a statement that the said person was being treated at a private hospital in Palakkad district.
According to George, his samples were tested at Manjeri Medical College, where initial signs of infection with Nipah virus have been found. He said that the government is waiting for confirmation from the Pune-based National Institute of Virology.
Death from Nipah virus
This is the second case of death from Nipah virus in Kerala in recent days. A resident of Malappuram had recently died of infection, while another patient from Palakkad district is still hospitalized. In view of the new case, the government has increased regional surveillance along with identifying the people who came in contact with the suspected infected in the area. A list of 46 people who came in contact with the patient has been prepared.
Tracing from CCTV footage
CCTV footage and mobile tower location data are being used to identify the people who came in contact. The minister said that health teams are monitoring fever in the area to detect any possible symptoms in other people. He said that in view of the seriousness of the situation, officials have also been instructed to increase the response team.
Government issued advisory
Officials have urged people of Palakkad and Malappuram districts to avoid visiting hospitals unnecessarily. Officials said that meetings with friends or relatives undergoing treatment should be limited. Only one person is allowed to accompany the patient as a caretaker.
Wearing mask is mandatory at all times
It is mandatory for health workers and people visiting the hospital, including patients and their companions, to wear masks at all times. Meanwhile, the Health Minister has issued a Nipah alert to hospitals in six districts. According to the Health Minister’s office, hospitals in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur have been instructed to immediately report any patient with fever and symptoms of Nipah encephalitis, including high fever.
