Kerala is witnessing a new virus named Nipah, which is being spread through saliva of fruit bats. On the evening of the 6th of September, a 12 year boy died due to this new virus.
Similar to the Wuhan virus, Nipah virus also spreads rapidly after coming in contact with someone infected. After the death of the 12 year old boy of Kozhikode, the Kerala Health Department identified 251 people who came in contact with the body. Of the total identified people 54 are high risk contacts out of which 30 are healthcare workers.
On Monday, the Kerala Health Minister Veena George said, “There are 38 persons in isolation at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital of which 11 have shown symptoms. Samples of eight persons have been sent to Pune NIV for testing.”
Meanwhile, the Central Government rushed a Medical Team in Kerala’s Kozhikode region. In addition, a special medical team is going to examine the samples, at a special laboratory, which has been set up at the medical college hospital in Kerala. The Pune team started testing samples of these 251 contacts from the night of the 6th of September. Also, a medical expert team has visited the house and locality of the child. Another team from the Animal Husbandry Department also inspected the locality. In addition, another medical expert team from Bhopal would reach Kozhikode on the 8th of September. The State Health Minister said, “The blood and serum samples of the two goats owned by the child’s family will be tested at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal.” She also said, “The prime objective is surveillance, testing and treatment of the patients. As part of surveillance, effective contact tracing and quarantine will be done. Treatment protocol will be strictly followed and it will be constantly monitored.”
The Kerala Health Department also announced to suspend vaccination drives in Kozhikode for the next 48 hours.
At the time of the deadly Wuhan virus pandemic, this new Nipah virus has raised concerns among the Kerala Government. The State Home Ministry released a special guidelines and protocols which would be followed in public to sustain the further spread of the virus.
Also, besides Kozhikode, neighbouring Kannur, Malappuram and Wayanad districts have been put on high alert.
The people are asked to strictly follow new guidelines of the Home Ministry to prevent the spread of both the Nipay virus and the COVID-19 infection.
Mango News Link
Telegram: https://t.me/mangonewsofficial
Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/2R4cbgN
Apple / iOS Store: https://apple.co/2xEYFJ
