Kerala setting an example by combating Nipah

Four people, including a nine-year-old, who had been in three hospitals in Kozhikode after getting infected with the deadly Nipah virus, have returned home after completely recovering from the disease. This happy news will be a great inspiration not only to the health workers of the state but also to all those working in the field of health care in the world. It is generally believed that once a person gets infected by Nipah, he/ she cannot recover from it. However, sometimes God may make a different decision. The current Nipah experiences in Kozhikode can be considered as one such. The scientific world will get a lot of models to study and copy from this. The authorities made the official announcement after testing the samples of those who were infected and undergoing treatment in hospitals twice and confirming that they were completely cured. Those who have recovered from the disease will have to remain in home quarantine for another two weeks.

This time, the nine-year-old son of the person who died due to Nipah was also infected. The child, who had to stay on ventilator support for six days, gave his relatives moments of anxiety for several days. However, he came back to life with the help of expert treatment. Doctors at the private hospital who treated him testify that this was a rare event in the world. The health sector of Kozhikode witnessed a rare sight of the health sector working shoulder to shoulder in Nipah prevention activities without distinction between the government and the private sector. Health Minister Veena George and PWD-Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas were at the forefront in providing necessary medical arrangements. The active presence of these ministers was crucial in instilling confidence in the health workers and moving things forward in an orderly manner. Although there are many complaints and allegations against the public health department, the health department in Kerala is never lagging behind in doing exemplary work when there is a threat of infectious disease like this.

The news that the Nipah outbreak has been completely contained, is a source of relief and joy to the people of Kozhikode and the entire state. This was the fourth time that the Nipah outbreak was reported in Kozhikode. As the source of the disease cannot be identified yet, the only solution is to take increased precautions against the threat of disease. In any case, this time, preventive measures taken at the outset helped prevent the spread of the disease. It can be said that coordinated actions saved people from great danger.

Although the Nipah outbreak has been contained, various infectious diseases that are constantly haunting the state are increasingly worrying the people. Apart from widespread viral fever, deadly diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and rat fever are prevalent in most parts of the state. The situation is likely to worsen as rains are intensifying again. Laxity and continuous lapses in cleaning activities invite contagious diseases. The situation will grow to a more serious level if the local institutions do not wake up and act effectively. It is a big drawback that effective systems for waste collection and treatment cannot be set up even after so many years.