Kerala on Alert After Second Suspected Nipah Death in State
The state of Kerala is on high alert after a 57-year-old man from the state died on July 12, with samples later testing positive for the Nipah virus. This is the second reported death linked to Nipah in Kerala in recent days, sparking concerns about the spread of the zoonotic disease.
According to Health Minister Veena George, the samples of the deceased were tested at Manjeri Medical College, where the result came back positive for Nipah. The news of the suspected Nipah death has sent shockwaves across the state, with authorities scrambling to contain the outbreak.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus is known to cause severe respiratory and neurological symptoms, and can be deadly if left untreated. The first reported Nipah death in Kerala occurred just a few days ago, on July 10, when a 23-year-old man from the state succumbed to the virus.
The two reported deaths have raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus, particularly in the wake of the recent monsoon season. The Kerala government has launched a rapid response team to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission of the virus.
The response team, led by the district collector and the district medical officer, has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the two deaths and to identify any potential contacts of the deceased. The team will also collect samples from the contacts and test them for Nipah virus to determine if there has been any transmission.
In addition, the state government has directed all hospitals and healthcare centers to be on high alert and to report any suspected cases of Nipah immediately. The government has also instructed healthcare workers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) while treating suspected cases of Nipah.
The Kerala government has also sought assistance from the Centre to contain the outbreak. The Centre has promised to provide all necessary support to the state to combat the spread of the virus.
Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 in Malaysia and has since claimed the lives of over 500 people worldwide. The virus is transmitted from fruit bats to humans, and can also be spread through close contact with infected animals or humans.
The outbreak of Nipah virus in Kerala highlights the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance and control measures. Zoonotic diseases are a major public health concern, as they can spread from animals to humans and cause significant morbidity and mortality.
In recent years, Kerala has experienced several outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, including Nipah virus, Japanese encephalitis, and dengue fever. The state government has launched several initiatives to improve zoonotic disease surveillance and control measures, including the establishment of a zoonotic disease surveillance system and the implementation of vector control measures.
In conclusion, the recent death of a 57-year-old man in Kerala from suspected Nipah virus highlights the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance and control measures. The state government has launched a rapid response team to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission of the virus. The Centre has promised to provide all necessary support to the state to combat the spread of the virus. It is essential that the public remains vigilant and reports any suspected cases of Nipah to the authorities immediately.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/9cfb8066-ae53-4307-804f-1e7721416139
