(Image source from: tribuneindia.com)
The scare of the Nipah virus is back in the country after the first case and death are reported in Kerala. A 12-year-old boy was tested with the Nipah virus and he passed away on Sunday. A special team from the Centre visited Kerala recently and initiated an investigation to dig out the roots about how the virus started. The Union Health Ministry sent a letter to Kerala Chief Secretary Dr VP Joy recommending special measures to be taken to control the spread of Nipah virus in Kerala. The State Health Officials have been asked to strengthen the surveillance in the hospitals and the regions where the cases are traced.
Close to 11 people who were in contact with the boy are admitted to the hospital with the symptoms of the Nipah virus. Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced the news and she revealed that their condition is stable. Out of the 251 contacts who were in touch with the boy, 129 people are health workers and 54 among them are at high risk. A field investigation was carried by the Central team and the home of the deceased was searched. The districts of Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur are kept on high alert. A 24*7 control room is set up for reporting and sharing the information about Nipah virus to the media. All the possible technical support is promised by the Centre. A testing lab too is getting ready at the Government Medical College Hospital located in Kozhikode.
Kerala government is also in plans to launch a mobile application to check the situation of the Nipah virus in the state. The state animal husbandry department has started examining domestic animals and pets.
By Siva Kumar
