Nipah scare in Kerala: Restrictions imposed in Kozhikode for next 10 days, details here

Days after two people reportedly died in Kerala’s Kozhikode after getting infected by Nipah virus, all public functions in the district have been cancelled for the next 10 days. In addition to this, the district authorities have instructed that the marriage functions, scheduled for the coming days, must now be registered with police for permission.

All educational institutions, including colleges, in the Kozhikode district will remain closed for the next two days. Meanwhile, the government informed that contract tracing of at least 789 people has been completed as of now and 153 health workers have been placed under isolation. The precaution was brought in after a health worker tested Nipah positive.

Notably, the southern state has reported five positive cases of Nipah virus, with two deaths, so far. Meanwhile, samples of 11 people have been sent for testing. 

Health alert in Kozhikode and neighbouring districts 

After two deaths were reported in Kozhikode, the Kerala Health Department issued a health alert in the district on Tuesday. However, in efforts to curb the spread of the virus, an alert was expanded to the neighbouring districts, including Kannur, Wayanad and Malappuram districts, on Thursday, September 13. 

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.

According to a government release, a Nipah control room has been opened in the districts. The state government has also released the following Nipah control room numbers:

0495 2383100

0495 2383101

0495 2384100

0495 2386100

hat 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 and 75 per cent.

The Nipah virus commonly shows symptoms four 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.