Nipah virus suspected in Kerala, govts holds high level meeting

New Delhi: Kerala health minister Veena George convened a high-level meeting in Malappuram district on Saturday after reports of a suspected Nipah virus case.

The meeting focused on measures to prevent the virus's spread and ensure public safety. Officials reviewed the current situation and discussed steps taken to control the outbreak.

Minister George reached Malappuram to lead the efforts to control the outbreak and constituted committees to oversee the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Nipah virus control.

The meeting saw the presence of top officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the Director of the National Health Mission, and the District Collectors of Malappuram and Kozhikode.

According to officials, the samples of the suspected patient were sent to the Pune virology lab for testing. Last month, the Kerala Health Minister announced that Nipah prevention efforts would be intensified in the state, especially during the critical months of May to September, when the virus is most likely to spread.

Minister George underscored the importance of extreme caution and detailed several key preventive measures.

"She urged the public not to destroy bat habitats, as disturbing them could increase the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, she advised against consuming fruits that have been bitten by birds and drinking honey from banana peels, both of which could be contaminated by bats."

Veena George also highlighted the necessity of proper hygiene practices.

“She recommended that hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water if they come into contact with bats, their excrement, or objects they have bitten. She also stressed the importance of educating children about these precautions to ensure community-wide awareness and safety.”

The Nipah virus, transmitted from animals to humans, can result in severe illness and fatalities. On May 19, 2018, a Nipah virus disease outbreak was reported in Kozhikode district of Kerala.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there were 17 deaths and 18 confirmed cases by June 1, 2018. The two affected districts were Kozhikode and Mallapuram.

The 2018 Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala was the third in India, with previous outbreaks occurring in 2001 and 2007, both in West Bengal.