Nipah kills two in Kerala's Kozhikode: Alert sounded in neighbouring districts

A day after two deaths were confirmed from Kozhikode district, Kerala Health Department has issued an alert for neighbouring districts, including Kannur, Wayanad and Malappuram districts, in view of the spread of Nipah virus. Notably, a health alert was already sounded in Kozhikode after two people died due to fever. 

Kerala Health Minister Veena George informed that the health department has contacted the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and assured the availability of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Nipah patients admitted at a private hospital.

Meanwhile, samples of the infected persons were sent to the Pune Institute of Virology to confirm whether it was Nipah. In addition to this, the administration has intensified its containment efforts to curb the spread of the deadly virus. 

The Health Minister also informed that defence operations were started in advance in the state and contact tracing and surveillance operations in the area are also underway. Notably, George chaired a high-level meeting to evaluate the situation and take necessary measures.

Nipah control room 

According to a government release, a Nipah control room has been opened in the district and the numbers are:

What is the Nipah virus? 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness that is transmitted via animals to humans. It can also be transmitted via contaminated food or directly between people and is caused by fruit bats. The virus is not only fatal for humans, but for animals as well. Cases of Nipah infection have a fatality rate between 40 per cent to 75 per cent.

The Nipah Virus commonly shows symptoms 4 to 14 days after exposure. Fever and headache are the primary symptoms, which are frequently accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, a brain infection, and even death.

(With inputs from ANI)