Nipah virus: Alert in Kozhikode’s neighbouring districts after 2 deaths

The Kerala Health Department has raised a warning for the districts of Kannur, Wayanad, and Malappuram following the deaths of two individuals from Nipah infection in Kozhikode recently. Additionally, the department has established 16 central teams to oversee the monitoring and control measures being implemented in these regions. Health Minister Veena George, in a statement to news agency ANI, mentioned that the department has been in touch with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and has assured the availability of monoclonal antibodies for treating Nipah patients admitted to a private hospital.

The Health Minister informed that defence operations were started in advance adding that contact tracing and surveillance operations in the area are also underway. According to a government release, a Nipah control room has been opened in the district and the numbers are (0495 2383100, 0495 2383101, 0495 2384100, 0495 2384101, 0495 2386100).

Veena George also visited Kozhikode Medical College and evaluated the arrangements. The Minister also ensured the availability of PPE kits for patient care, N95 masks and other protective equipment for the medical staff. Adequate number of staff at the hospitals and medicines has also been ensured.

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Containment Zones Declared in Kozhikode District

Kozhikode district collector has declared the following Grama Panchayat wards as containment zones. It is under section (4) of the Kerala Epidemic Decease Control Ordinance 2020.

• Aayanchery Gramapanchayat – 1,2,3,4,5,12,13,1 and 15 wards
• Maruthonkara Gramapanchayat – 1,2,3,4,5,12,13 and 14 wards·
• Thiruvallur Gramapanchayat – 1,2 and 20·
• Kuttiyadi Gramapanchayat – 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 wards·
• Kayakkodi Gramapanchayat – 5,6,7,8,9,10 wards·
• Villiapalli Gramapanchayat – 6 and 7 wards·
• Kavilumpara Gramapanchayat – 2,10,11,12,13,14,15 and 16

The Health Minister earlier confirmed that the two deaths at a private hospital on Monday in Kozhikode. The deaths were due to Nipah adding that there are two active cases as of now in the district. The two persons are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the district. The active case of patients includes a nine-year-old and a 24-year-old relative of the deceased.

How is Nipah Virus spread?

Nipah virus infection is basically a zoonotic disease and can be transmitted from animals to humans, besides, it can spread through contaminated food or through contact.

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