Kerala Health Minister Outlines Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Nipah Virus Outbreak
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/21st July 2024
In response to the Nipah virus outbreak in Malappuram, Kerala, Health Minister Veena George has assured the public of the state’s readiness to address the situation effectively. Following the confirmation of the virus in a 14-year-old boy from the region, the state government has taken significant measures to control the spread and ensure public safety.
Minister George revealed that a total of 214 individuals are identified as primary contacts of the infected patient, with 60 of them categorized as high-risk. All individuals on the contact list are being isolated to prevent further transmission. The state’s response has been swift and robust, with extensive preventive measures initiated since the confirmation of the outbreak.
According to George, preventive activities have intensified since early morning, with the establishment of 25 committees to oversee the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for Nipah virus control. Contact tracing began promptly on Saturday, with a focus on identifying and isolating those who have been in close contact with the infected individual.
To support isolation efforts, 30 isolation rooms have been set up at Manjeri Medical College, and additional wards have been arranged at Kozhikode Medical College. The Health Minister announced that a route map of affected areas will be published to inform the public and assist in containment efforts.
George urged residents who may have visited the affected areas to contact the control room immediately. She emphasized the importance of timely communication, particularly for those displaying symptoms of Nipah virus infection, which can include fever, headache, seizures, cough, and respiratory issues.
A 24-hour Nipah control room has been established to handle inquiries and provide guidance. Symptoms of Nipah infection can worsen over time, increasing the risk of disease spread, so individuals with respiratory symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Minister George also called for stringent measures to reduce the virus’s spread. She advised the public to wear masks in all public spaces and to avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals. For those on the contact list, isolation is crucial, and household members should minimize contact to prevent further transmission.
Earlier, on Saturday, George confirmed that the 14-year-old boy’s case had been verified as Nipah virus-positive by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. The Health Minister emphasized the need for a contact list and testing of high-risk individuals. She also outlined plans to impose restrictions within a three-kilometer radius of the outbreak’s epicenter and called for mandatory mask usage and heightened vigilance among Malappuram residents.
In addition to her public statements, George convened a high-level meeting in Malappuram to coordinate the response efforts. Attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department and the Director of the National Health Mission, the meeting reviewed the current situation and the steps taken to manage the outbreak. The officials also discussed the implementation of SOPs and ongoing efforts to contain the virus.The Kerala government’s proactive measures and comprehensive strategy aim to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect public health in the face of this serious threat.
