Kerala: CM Pinarayi Vijayan says “Nothing to worry about” on Nipah Virus, Know more

The two unnatural deaths that were previously reported from Kerala‘s Kozhikode district were reportedly brought on by the Nipah virus, according to confirmation from Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday. Mandaviya mentioned that a central team of experts has been dispatched to Kerala to assess the situation and support the state administration in the fight against the Nipah virus epidemic.

More on discovering the cause

The National Institute of Virology in Pune received samples from one of the deceased and four of his relatives for testing. On Monday, two deaths believed to be related to the Nipah virus infection prompted a district-wide health alert. In the meantime, the Keralan government established a control room in Kozhikode and suggested that people wear masks as a precaution

The official statement

“We have opened a control room here. To coordinate the precautionary measures, we have formed 16 committees, and all the hospitals and health workers have been instructed to follow the infection control protocol, including wearing PPE kits,” Kerala health minister Veena George said. She also advised against unnecessary hospital visits.

“There is no need for any fear or concern as of now, and all these measures are precautionary measures to avoid more cases if the results turn positive. We hope it comes back negative,” George said.

Kerala CM on the virus

Kerala’s chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, stated earlier in the day that the state administration takes the two fatalities very seriously. The chief minister urged people to be cautious and assured them that there was no need for concern because individuals who had been near the deceased were receiving treatment.

“There is nothing to worry about. Those who were in contact with the deceased are being traced and treated. Being careful is the key to tackling the situation. Everyone is requested to cooperate with the action plan prepared by the health department,” he said.

About Nipah virus

The Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic disease that can be passed from person to person, through contaminated food, or directly from animal to human, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). It can induce a variety of symptoms in those who are infected, including asymptomatic (subclinical) infection, severe respiratory sickness, and deadly encephalitis. According to the WHO, the virus can also cause serious illness in pigs and other animals, costing farmers a great deal of money.