10-year-old girl in hospital with suspected Nipah virus symptoms; concern in Palakkad

PALAKKAD: A relative of a Palakkad native, who tested positive for the Nipah virus, showed symptoms of the disease and was admitted to the hospital. The 10-year-old child is in the hospital under the close watch of doctors. Health Minister Veena George released the route map for the young woman on Friday. The woman has not used public transport since she developed signs of the disease.

On June 25, a 38-year-old woman was admitted to a private hospital in Perinthalmanna after showing symptoms of Nipah. She was put on a ventilator after her health deteriorated. Her swab was then sent for Nipah testing. Initial tests confirmed the disease. With this, the health department authorities warned people who come in close contact with the woman to go into quarantine. The results of the test conducted at the Pune Virology Lab also confirmed the disease. As per the health department, there are 91 people on the woman's contact list.

Restrictions have been imposed in Palakkad following the confirmation of Nipah. The regulations have been imposed in Wards 7,8,9,11 of Thachanattukara panchayat and Wards 17,18 of Karimpuzha panchayat. Shops in these areas are allowed to operate only from 8 am to 6 pm. There are restrictions on the opening of commercial establishments and educational institutions. Masks have been made mandatory in the area.