Following the confirmation of a Nipah virus case, Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George announced stringent preventive measures. The state is fully prepared to handle the situation with proactive steps taken since morning.
The minister stated that 25 committees have been activated under government protocols to control Nipah. Early contact tracing efforts targeted 214 people on the primary contact list, identifying 60 individuals as high-risk due to close contact with the infected patient.
To manage potential cases, 30 isolation rooms have been set up at Manjeri Medical College, and isolation wards have been arranged at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. A route map will be published, and the minister urged anyone who visited these locations to contact the control room. Samples will be collected and tested from all high-risk individuals. The confirmed patient has been transferred to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where a 24-hour Nipah control room has been established for assistance.
Symptoms of Nipah may include fever, headache, dizziness, vomiting, cough, and difficulty breathing. The disease is known for its progressive symptoms, increasing the risk of transmission as the illness worsens. The minister emphasised the importance of wearing masks in public places and advised against unnecessary hospital visits. Household members of those on the contact list should isolate themselves and avoid contact with others.
Addressing public concerns, the minister reassured the community and encouraged anyone in need of support to contact the control room for psychological assistance. The 24-hour Nipah control room can be reached at the following numbers:
• 0483-2732010
• 0483-2732050
• 0483-2732060
• 0483-2732090
