Did Nipah come from bat-bitten areca nuts? Health department officials collect samples

KOZHIKODE: The number of flu patients in the district is rising as the Nipah crisis intensifies. In the last two days, about 2200 people have been diagnosed with fever in the district. Following the spread of Nipah, the crisis is getting worse as more restrictions are put in place inside the hospital. Additionally, people with fevers choose not to visit the hospital out of fear.

The rush of patients has increased in the Government Beach General Hospital, Medical College, Taluk Hospitals of Thamarassery, Vatakara and Primary Health Centres. The number of fever patients reaching private hospitals and clinics is also high. There is a shortage of medicine in government hospitals.

The district is also noticing an increase in dengue fever and rat fever cases. Many people come to hospitals with cough and fever. According to health experts, people who experience symptoms related to Nipah, such as a chronic cough, persistent fever, sudden seizures, or shortness of breath, should seek medical attention.

Do not self-medicate. Take the medicine only as prescribed by the doctor. Wash your hands frequently with clean water. Drink at least three to four litres of boiled water daily. Use a tissue when sneezing and coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Pregnant women, children, the elderly and those undergoing treatment for other diseases need to be especially careful.

Desperate to find the source; Fruit samples were collected

Health department officials visited the house of Harris who died last day due to Nipah and collected samples. A team including Kozhikode Medical College Community Medicine Coordinator Dr Bindu, Dr Rajasi, Dr K V Amrita, and Dr Sajan visited the house and collected information. The team collected bat-bitten areca nuts and other fruits from the house and its surroundings.

326 phone calls have been received so far at the call centre, which was started as part of preventive measures. 311 people contacted the call center to get information and four to report the case themselves.