Another death case has come to light from Nipah virus in Palakkad, Kerala. According to the information, the 57 -year -old man died of Nipah virus on Saturday. Due to this, the state government has accelerated immediate regional surveillance, contact tracing and protective measures.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that the deceased was being treated in a private hospital and after investigation at Manjari Medical College, his report came to Nipah positive. However, the final confirmation will now be after the report from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.
This is the second death related to Nipah Yas in recent times in Kerala. Earlier, a person from Malappuram district died of Nipah infection, while another patient of Palakkad is currently hospitalized.
46 contact identified
The government has prepared a list of 46 people in touch with the deceased. CCTV footage and mobile tower location data are being used to track people who come in the patient’s contact. Along with this, the patient’s travel history and family tree were also made. Many of these people have been kept under supervision and fever surveillance is being run in the area.
‘Strict steps will be taken after confirmation of NIV’
Health Minister Veena George said that in view of the current situation, the field teams have been strengthened and all the available data is being used for monitoring. He has warned the officials that more strict steps will be taken after the confirmation of NIV.
Alert in hospitals, appeal to people to take precautions
People of Palakkad and Malappuram districts have been appealed to avoid going to the hospital without need. Only one bioStander is allowed with patients and all have been made mandatory to wear masks. So far, a contact list of 543 people associated with Nipah virus has been prepared in Kerala, in which 46 people are related to the new case.
What is Nipah virus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection, which spreads from animals to humans. It can also spread infected fruits, animal exposure or humans to humans. This virus can cause brain inflammation, fever, and often death.
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