One more suspected Nipah case reported in Palakkad

The Hindu

4 days ago

One more suspected Nipah case was reported in the district on Wednesday, prompting health officials to take swift action to prevent the spread of the virus.
The State has seen a recent surge in Nipah cases with four infections being reported in less than three weeks from adjoining districts of Palakkad and Malappuram.
In the latest case, the son of a 58-year-old man from Kumaramputhur who succumbed to the deadly virus at Moulana Hospital, Perinthalmanna, on Saturday last, was found Nipah positive in the initial test done at Government Medical College Hospital laboratory at Manjeri.
Health Minister Veena George said that further tests would be conducted for final confirmation.
However, health officials on Wednesday began tracing the people who had contacted the infected person in the last couple of weeks. She said a route map of the infected person was prepared and counter measures were in full swing the prevent the spread of the virus.
'He was on the contact list of the person who died of Nipah and was in isolation. His family tree was also prepared. We will ensure that his family gets utmost psychological support and care,' said Ms. George.
The Minister said that 723 people across the State were under observation for Nipah. As many as 51 were identified as contacts of the latest person who tested positive during the initial investigation.
While 212 people are in quarantine in Malappuram district, 394 people in Palakkad are under observation, said Ms. George. In Kozhikode, 114 people are in isolation when Ernakulam district has two and Thrissur one in isolation.
The Minister said that 10 persons in isolation are under treatment in Malappuram and seven in Palakkad. She said 84 samples tested negative in Malappuram so far.
Palakkad district has so far reported three Nipah cases including the suspected one. When one affected person succumbed to the virus, two are currently under treatment.
Health workers visited 1,568 houses in Nipah reported area at Kumaramputhur on Wednesday and completed their fever survey. The number calls reaching the Nipah control cell saw an increase on Wednesday. Officials said they got 42 calls, the largest on a single day.
The samples of 150 bats collected by a team of scientists from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, were sent for testing. The district animal husbandry officials too collected animal samples from within a kilometre radius of the Nipah infected person.
District Supply Officer said here on Wednesday that direct ration supply was ensured for 872 families within the containment zone.
District Collector G. Priyanka warned people in containment zones against crowding and moving out without masks.
The Nipah control room can be reached round the clock at 0491 2504002. For counselling, people can reach out to 75109 05080.