NIPAH Virus: Risk of infection in 29 cities of Kerala, restrictions increased, alert issued in neighboring states also

Posted on 16th Sep 2023 by rohit kumar

Due to the Nipah virus, cases of infection have increased rapidly in Kerala in the past few days. According to recent reports, infection has been confirmed in six people so far in the state, people who came in close contact with them are also being monitored. Health Minister Veena George said in a statement on Friday that the number of people who came in contact with Nipah-infected people has increased to 1080, out of which more than 122 people are at high risk.

 

It is reported that the spread of the virus is now increasing in Kozhikode district as well as surrounding parts. 22 people in Malappuram, one from Wayanad, and three each in Kannur-Thrissur are close contacts of the infected people.

 

Health department officials said, the risk of infection is increasing rapidly, and there is a need for all people to keep making efforts for prevention. The way the risk of spreading the virus is increasing in different districts, there is a need for the surrounding states to remain alert given this danger. Nipah can be a big health risk, it can be a bigger threat than Corona.

 

Ban till 24th September

 

Kozhikode district of Kerala is considered to be at the highest risk of this infection. Keeping the danger in mind, all educational institutions here have been ordered to remain closed till September 24. The local administration has advised people not to go to areas with high incidence of infection. Clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Do not eat fruits cut by birds.

 

Apart from this, if symptoms like fever and difficulty in breathing persist for some time, then definitely consult a health expert in this regard. Everyone needs to keep protecting themselves from infection.

 

Increasing risk in Kerala, neighboring states alerted

 

Neighboring states have also become alert given the increasing risks of infection in Kerala. Following the Nipah outbreak in the neighboring state, the Karnataka government has issued guidelines advising people to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected areas of Kerala. Health experts say Nipah infection can also lead to the risk of developing serious problems like psychiatric and neurological complications (depression, personality changes, attention deficit, and encephalitis), so it is very important to keep taking preventive measures.

 

Monoclonal antibodies will come from Australia

 

Given the increasing threat of infection in Kerala and the risks of death due to it, the Center has decided to purchase 20 more doses of monoclonal antibodies from Australia. With Nipah outbreaks occurring frequently in the south Indian state and the mortality rate being much higher than that of Covid, ICMR is also planning to start work on developing vaccines against the viral disease.

 

Health experts said that the mortality rate among people infected with Nipah can be between 45-70 percent, which is a cause for serious concern.

 

Advice to pay serious attention to these symptoms

 

The state health ministry said, that if someone is experiencing symptoms of infection for 3-5 days and is not getting cured with normal treatment, then it needs serious attention. Nipah virus infection often begins with a high fever, with headache, muscle aches, and flu-like symptoms being the common initial symptoms. Apart from this, nausea, tremors, and breathing problems are also seen in many infected people, which it becomes necessary to pay attention and get treatment in time.

 

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