Restrictions Imposed in Malappuram District Following Nipah Virus-Related Death (image-pixabay)
Following the confirmation of the second Nipah virus case of the year in Kerala, strict containment measures were imposed in the Malappuram district. The death of the 24-year-old in the southern Indian state on Monday has once again sparked concern regarding the deadly Nipah.
The government has tightened restrictions in the area to curb the potential spread of the zoonotic virus. The Malappuram collector declared five wards as containment zones on Sunday. These include Wards 4,5, 6 and 7 of Thiruvali panchayat and Ward 7 of Mampad panchayat. Though there is no immediate cause for alarm, the collector has urged residents to remain vigilant and to wear masks as a precautionary measure.
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Health authorities confirmed the death of the young man due to the presence of the Nipah virus following the test conducted at the Pune National Virology Institute.
The student had previously suffered jaundice and sought treatment two months ago. After recovering he returned back to Bengaluru. However, he came back to Kerala after sustaining an accident.
Later, the deceased developed a fever and sought medical attention, eventually leading to his death.
The initial suspicion of the Nipah virus was raised by a medical officer after observing symptoms consistent with encephalitis. The samples were then sent to the Kozhikode Medical College for further testing which confirmed the presence of the virus.
Soon after the confirmation of the virus, an emergency high-level meeting was convened by Health Minister Veena George. The minister has directed to follow all the necessary protocols. In response to the current situation, 16 16-member committee was formed.
So far, 151 individuals have been identified as primary contacts. Five individuals in isolation have shown mild symptoms and their samples have been sent for testing.
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The minister also said that the department has taken all necessary steps to ensure that no new infections occur.
The Nipah outbreak in Kerala is a big concern in view of the severity of the disease. The fatality rate of this viral infection is up to 75%. Fruit bats are the natural hosts of the virus and it can be transmitted to humans from animals like pigs and bats through contamination. It can also be spread from human-to-human contact.
