Presence of antibodies in samples from Nipah affected areas, health dept strengthens preventive measures

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Department has decided to strengthen preventive measures against the Nipah virus in the state. Although Nipah cases were earlier reported in Kozhikode and Ernakulam districts, other districts have also been warned by the health department.

Health Minister Veena George said that those who come to hospitals with symptoms similar to those of Nipah should be observed closely. She also said that monitoring and awareness would be strengthened as it was the breeding season of bats. The health department will carry out the prevention activities in collaboration with the Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments. The minister urged everyone to exercise more caution as the mortality rate from the Nipah virus was very high.

The state reported its first Nipah virus case in 2018 in Kozhikode. At that time, 18 people were affected by Nipah of which only 2 people survived. In 2019, Ernakulam district reported one Nipah case. However, there was no casualty. In 2021, a 12-year-old boy from Kozhikode got infected with Nipah. He died while undergoing treatment.

The minister said that the presence of IgG antibodies against the Nipah virus was confirmed in the bat samples collected from the Nipah affected area and hence vigilance would be intensified this time. The health department has advised people to avoid contact with bats and not to eat fruits that have fallen to the ground or been bitten by birds.