Nipah scare: Educational institutions to be closed indefinitely; visitors banned in Medical college

MALAPPURAM: Strict restrictions have been imposed in Pandikkad panchayat in Malappuram, where Nipah has been confirmed. A maximum of 50 people will be allowed for events including weddings and receptions.

A decision has also been reached to close all educational institutions in the area for a specific period. All people are advised to wear masks. Health Minister Veena George on Friday asked people to keep aside their fear and practice vigilance.

A ban on visitors has also been imposed at Kozhikode Medical College, where a Nipah-affected child is undergoing treatment. It is reported that the condition of the child remains critical, he is currently aided by ventilator support. A special team of thirty medical staff are in charge of the treatment.

Another child who is a close friend of the Nipah-affected patient is now down with a fever. The blood sample of the child has been sent for testing. The doctors and nurses of the hospitals where the Nipah patient had previously sought treatment have entered quarantine. A sample of 60 direct contacts will be sent for testing. They are in the high-risk category. 214 people are under observation while those on the contact list will be quarantined.

Nipah scare is back again in Kerala for the fifth time. 17 people including nurse Lini Puthussery died during the first outbreak of the virus back in 2018. One died in 2021 and two died in 2023. In June 2019, an Engineering student in Ernakulam contracted the disease but survived.

A 24-hour control cell has been started at Malappuram PWD Rest House. The control room numbers are 0483-2732010, 0483-2732050, 0483-2732060 and 0483-2732090.