High alert in 6 districts of Kerala.
🛑 High alert in 6 districts of Kerala.
Introduction
Confirmation of the second death from Nipah virus in Palakkad district of Kerala has created fresh concern among health officials. Due to this, a spinal health alert has been issued in six districts of the state - Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Thrissur. The severity of the situation can be seen from the fact that due to negligence, the 57 -year -old deceased was not discharged from the hospital on time and people who came in contact with him were not tested quickly.
💀 Description of the event
- The deceased was 58 years old (some reports were placed as 57 as 57) and were admitted to a private hospital in Manchkarad near Kunkramputhur in Palakakad. He had symptoms like influenza - high fever and difficulty in breathing - but his condition suddenly deteriorated. He died on the night of 12 July. Preliminary tests at Manjiri Medical College, Malappuram confirmed the Nipah virus and the final confirmation was awaited by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.
🏥 The scope of vigilance and measures
Health Minister Veena George has directed all hospitals in six districts to immediately report symptoms related to Nipah like fever, mental confusion and seizures.
During alert:
It is mandatory to wear masks in hospitals.
Only the patient and one of his hostess should be present.
Thousands of careless possible contacts have been identified.
🔍 Contact tracing and monitoring
A total of 46 people who have come in contact with the deceased have been identified.
Mobile tower data, CCTV footage and contact mapping.
A total of 543 people have been listed - Pulakkad (219), Malappuram (208), Kozhikode (114) and Ernakulam (2).
36 people are at high risk and are subject to total 128 observation.
🏨 Local Curfew and Container Zone
Containing zones have been declared in the respective rural areas- Kukmamputhur, Manchad, Karimpuzha, Karkurishi.
Door-to-door fever screening is also being done in these areas.
The number of health workers in local hospitals and colonies has increased and monitoring has been tightened.
⚠ Instructions for public
Avoid unnecessary checkups and trips in hospitals and clinics. Also avoid family services or pilgrims.
Only one attendant should be with the patient and wearing a mask is mandatory for all in the hospital.
🧠 Nipah Virus: Increasing Danger
Nipa is a zoonotic virus that spreads into humans from bats or infected animals, such as pigs. Symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting and shortness of breath.
If not treated on time, it can lead to serious diseases such as encephalitis and coma.
The infection spreads directly into humans, but with less than 1 R-value, the infection does not spread rapidly.
📊 Recent trends
- Till July this year, three cases of Nippa have been reported in Kerala:
An 18 -year -old woman from Mallapuram died on 1 July on 1 July. A 38 -year -old woman, who is still undergoing treatment (in ICU).
Now a 57/58 -year -old man died in Palakkad, Kerala.
A total of 543 possible contacts have been listed, which are being tested and monitored.
🧩 overall analysis
The state government has been cautious since three cases this month.
Comprehensive contact transportation, monitoring and strategy of limited control areas make Kerala a model for epidemic control.
Public cooperation - Mask, restraint and reporting in hospitals - will play an important role in this fight.
✍ conclusion
There are second death indications from Nipa and alert in six districts that the virus is still active. Although the spread of infection is slow, vigilance is still necessary in affected areas. Steps taken by the government are solid towards contact, connectivity, monitoring and strictness control in hospitals. Only public awareness and responsible attitude can prevent it from spreading.