
TN on high alert after Nipah virus cases in Kerala; medical teams deployed across borders
In an official release on Saturday, the department said that no Nipah cases have been detected in Tamil Nadu so far and that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken to prevent any possible outbreak.
Medical teams have been deployed in districts along the Kerala border and are on high alert to monitor and respond swiftly to any suspected cases.
The Directorate has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly adhere to basic hygiene and safety protocols.
The public has been advised to be on the lookout for symptoms associated with Nipah virus, which include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty in breathing, seizures, and even fainting.
People showing these symptoms — especially those who have recently travelled to affected areas in Kerala or been in contact with a sick person — should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital.
To reduce the risk of transmission, residents are also advised to avoid eating unwashed or fallen fruits, ensure that fruits are thoroughly washed before consumption, and maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water.
District health officers across Tamil Nadu have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all preventive measures are strictly implemented in their respective areas.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are known to be the primary carriers of the virus, and infections in humans often occur through contact with bat-contaminated fruits or through close contact with infected individuals or animals, such as pigs.
The Tamil Nadu health department reiterated its commitment to keeping the public safe and said it will continue to monitor the situation in Kerala closely.
Citizens have been urged not to spread rumours and to rely only on official updates for accurate information.

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Hans India
13 hours ago
- Hans India
TN on high alert after Nipah virus cases in Kerala; medical teams deployed across borders
Chennai: Following reports of Nipah virus infections in Kerala's Palakkad and Malappuram districts, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has assured the public that there is no cause for panic as medical teams are on high alert to monitor and respond swiftly to any suspected cases. In an official release on Saturday, the department said that no Nipah cases have been detected in Tamil Nadu so far and that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken to prevent any possible outbreak. Medical teams have been deployed in districts along the Kerala border and are on high alert to monitor and respond swiftly to any suspected cases. The Directorate has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly adhere to basic hygiene and safety protocols. The public has been advised to be on the lookout for symptoms associated with Nipah virus, which include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty in breathing, seizures, and even fainting. People showing these symptoms — especially those who have recently travelled to affected areas in Kerala or been in contact with a sick person — should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital. To reduce the risk of transmission, residents are also advised to avoid eating unwashed or fallen fruits, ensure that fruits are thoroughly washed before consumption, and maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water. District health officers across Tamil Nadu have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all preventive measures are strictly implemented in their respective areas. Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are known to be the primary carriers of the virus, and infections in humans often occur through contact with bat-contaminated fruits or through close contact with infected individuals or animals, such as pigs. The Tamil Nadu health department reiterated its commitment to keeping the public safe and said it will continue to monitor the situation in Kerala closely. Citizens have been urged not to spread rumours and to rely only on official updates for accurate information.


United News of India
15 hours ago
- United News of India
Kerala has devised several strategies to contain Nipah: Dr. Rajan Khobragade
Thiruvananthapuram, July 12 (UNI) In view of the rising Nipah cases, the Health Department in Kerala has devised and implemented several strategies across the state to contain the epidemic, said Dr. Rajan Khobragade, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare. Dr. Khobragade made these remarks while inaugurating an international conference on 'Nipah and Other Zoonotic Spillovers - Integrating Health Strategies for Prevention' held here yesterday and emphasized the need for collaboration. Pointing out the state Government's commitment to detecting and containing epidemics that have affected the state since 2019, he highlighted the importance of One Health concept in the current scenario and sought support from institutions such as the Institute of Advanced Virology to strengthen the public health system in the state. The conference was organized in collaboration with the Department of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience. Dr. Simmi Tiwari, Joint Director of the National Centre for Disease Control, congratulated the Government of Kerala for establishing the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV), stating that the institute has already made a mark in the field of virology and can significantly contribute to improving public health and epidemic preparedness in both the state and the country. She emphasized the need to expand diagnostic facilities for the timely detection of zoonotic spillover infections that frequently impact the state. Sessions on various topics were delivered by eminent international and national experts, including Dr. Emily Gurley, Professor of the Practice, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA; Dr. Vidya Arankalle, National Institute of Virology, Pune; Dr. Guruprasad R. Medigeshi, Professor, IISER Tirupati; Dr. Sobha Mammen, Professor, CMC Vellore; Dr. Ummer Karadan, Baby Memorial Hospital, Kozhikode; Dr. Sheen Job, Consultant, Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Dr. Biju Soman, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology; Dr. Sreelekshmi M, National Institute of Virology, Pune; and Dr. Jon Epstein, Epidemiologist, One Health Science, USA. UNI DS AAB RKM


The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
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