NIPAH Virus: Number of infected people increased to six, know how this disease spreads and what to do for prevention

Posted on 15th Sep 2023 by rohit kumar

The cases of Nipah virus infection are increasing in Kerala, till Friday the number of infected people has increased to six. According to media reports, the infection has been confirmed in a 39-year-old man in Kozhikode district. Health experts have alerted people about the increasing cases of infection in the state and advised them to keep making efforts for prevention.

 

State Health Minister Veena George said on Friday that the 39-year-old man has been confirmed with the Nipah virus after his sample report came positive. The strain of the virus being seen in the state is from Bangladesh, which has been found in studies to have a higher mortality rate.

 

It is noteworthy that in the last few days, cases of infection have increased rapidly in the state. People who came in contact with the infected people have also been kept under special surveillance. According to the report, about 706 people are on the contact list of the infected, out of which 77 people are at high risk. 153 people at risk are health workers. Health Minister Veena said that no one in the high risk category is showing symptoms at present, although they are being monitored seriously.

 

The central team arrived to learn the situation of the state

 

Given the increasing threat of Nipah in Kerala, surrounding states have also been alerted. Given the situation in the state, a team of officials from the Center reached Kozhikode on Thursday morning and held talks with the state officials. The National Institute of Virology, Pune has set up a mobile testing laboratory at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode to test samples of suspected infected people.

 

Health department people say that given the risks of infection, everyone needs to take special precautions, this virus can be extremely fatal.

 

The death rate may be higher due to Nipah

 

Experts have intensified the campaign to collect samples from bats and fruit trees in Kerala. It is important to know here that Kerala is facing the outbreak of such a virus for the fourth time since 2018. It is spread by contact with infected bats, pigs, or body fluids of an infected person, its mortality rate can be up to 75%, which is a matter of serious concern.

 

Let us know what measures health experts recommend to follow to prevent this deadly infection.

 

How to prevent this serious disease?

 

Health experts say all people need to be alert about the risks of this serious infection. Infection can be prevented by following some measures.

 

The risk of transmission from bats to humans is high, so avoid going to places where there are a lot of bats.

 

Keep trying to avoid close contact with sick animals or those who are infected. Gloves and other protective clothing should be worn before close contact with such people.

Close physical contact with patients infected with Nipah virus should be avoided.

 

The risks of infection with this disease can be reduced by following good hygiene measures.

 

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