Spread of Nipah: Immediate intervention needed, says former health minister K K Shailaja

KANNUR: Former health minister K K Shailaja has called for an immediate intervention over the spread of Nipah virus. Those who came in contact should be found and if possible, the spread of the virus can be avoided and we can prevent the virus from spreading too much, she said.

Experts had predicted the possibility of the return of the disease. The former experts team is still based at Kozhikode Medical College. Vigilance has been issued in Kannur also. Directions have been given to inform if symptoms seen, she said.

A 12-year-old boy died of nipah virus in Kozhikode this morning. Health Minister Veena George had earlier said that a route map of the child would be prepared and published. Attempts are also being made to trace the source of the disease. The two people confirmed of the symptoms and included in the contact list are health workers. Those included in the list have been shifted to the nipah ward set up in the pay ward block of Kozhikode Medical College.

A special call center has been opened for Nipah alone. The numbers are 0495 2382500 and 0495 2382800. A control room has been opened centered around the guest house.

A point of care examination will be conducted at Kozhikode Medical College tomorrow evening for those under observation. A special team from Pune Institute of Virology will reach the state for the purpose. If they test positive, a confirmatory test will be conducted, said the minister.