Never do this to scare away bats; experts issue warning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George announced that a total of 345 people are currently on the Nipah contact list in the state. Of these, 211 are in Malappuram, 91 in Palakkad, and 43 in Kozhikode. All individuals on the contact list in Kozhikode are healthcare workers. Suspected Nipah infections are among those in Malappuram and Palakkad districts.

Following the detection of Nipah virus in tests conducted at the medical colleges in Malappuram and Kozhikode, samples were sent to the Virology Institute in Pune for confirmation. One patient undergoing treatment in Palakkad tested positive. The route map of the patient from Palakkad has been released. Even before confirmation, precautionary measures were strengthened in accordance with protocol.

Alert advisories have been issued in the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad in connection with the two confirmed Nipah cases.

Experts have cautioned against driving away bats by bursting firecrackers or using other methods. Instructions have been given to intensify contact tracing, especially around hospitals and health institutions. Authorities are advised to thoroughly check whether anyone has been missed from the contact list. Hospitals must ensure the availability of personal protective equipment. Efforts to trace the source of the virus should also be strengthened. Route maps must be released promptly.

The symptoms in both confirmed Nipah patients began appearing on the 25th and 26th of last month. Data from these regions will be collected starting three weeks prior to the symptom onset. It will also be investigated whether any deaths from encephalitis or pneumonia occurred in these areas during that period.

State and district control rooms have been established. In each of the three affected districts, 26 committees have been formed. The police are also assisting in preparing the contact lists. District collectors have declared containment zones in two districts, and masks are mandatory within these zones.

An official meeting was held with participation from the Health Department Additional Chief Secretary, NHM State Mission Director, Director of Health Services, Director of Medical Education, Additional Directors, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, police officials, and other department representatives.