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States » SouthPosted at: May 9 2025 12:56AM


Kerala: Nipah confirmed in Valancherry, health alert issued

Malappuram, May 8 (UNI) Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that one case of Nipah has been confirmed in Valanchery Municipality of Malappuram district.
A 42-year-old woman living in the second ward of the municipality has been confirmed to have contracted Nipah virus. She is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Perinthalmanna. She had sought treatment at a private clinic in Valanchery after suffering from fever on April 25 and later reached the hospital in Perinthalmanna on the advice of a doctor on May one.
The disease was confirmed in a test conducted at the Pune Virology Lab after Nipah was detected in a test conducted in the state.
The minister further said that 21 samples of seven people in the high-risk category, including the patient's close relatives, were tested and all were tested negative.
The minister, who arrived in the district immediately after the Nipah infection was confirmed, called a high-level meeting at the Collectorate in the evening to assess the situation and give necessary instructions to the officials. The doctor treating the patient also participated in the meeting online.
The minister informed that the State Medical Board has recommended giving the patient monoclonal antibody and that it will be given soon after the permission of the Hospital Admission Committee is received.
As per the protocol, the patient has to remain in the hospital where he is being treated but on the relatives' request, the partient could be shifted to Manjeri Medical College for further examination.
A containment zone will be established within a three-kilometre radius of the area where the disease has been confirmed. The District Collector will issue a special order in this regard as per the Public Health Act and the Disaster Management Act.
Restrictions will mainly be imposed in the areas falling under the limits of Valanchery Municipality, Marakara and Edayur Panchayat.
As part of the Nipah protocol, 25 committees at various levels have been formed and started functioning.
Intensive measures have been initiated to trace those who came in contact with the patient. Although it has been found that there is no possibility of much contact, a thorough examination will be conducted.
All those in contact with the high-risk and low-risk categories will have to be under observation for 21 days.
Instructions have been given to ensure the availability of medicines. An investigation will be conducted to find the source of the virus. In the wake of the death of a cat in the area, samples will be collected through the Animal Husbandry Department and sent for expert examination. A fever survey will be conducted in the municipality and nearby panchayats.
The minister has directed hospitals to strictly follow the infection control protocol.
The minister has also directed the district to maintain general vigilance in the wake of Nipah.
The minister said that it is advisable for everyone to wear masks and use sanitizers. Masks and sanitizers will be made mandatory at the Ente Keralam Exhibition and Marketing Fair to be held in Kottakunnu to mark the fourth anniversary of the state government.
The minister has also directed that unnecessary hospital visits should be avoided.
UNI AK SS
Tags: #Kerala: Nipah confirmed in Valancherry# health alert issued
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