Nipah case in Palakkad: State health dept steps up surveillance on TN-Kerala border
COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu health department has stepped up surveillance along the inter-state border in Coimbatore district by setting up temporary medical camps at checkposts adjoining Kerala, following a confirmed case of
Nipah virus
infection in Palakkad district.
Health workers are screening individuals entering Coimbatore district from Palakkad through six main checkposts for symptoms of the Nipah virus, which are similar to those of influenza.
'The six checkposts where commuters are being screened are located at Gopalapuram in Pollachi North block, Veerappagoundanur in Kinathukadavu block, Walayar in Madukkarai block, Anaikatti in Periyanaickenpalayam block, Pattisalai in Karamadai block and Meenachipuram in Anamalai block,' said district health officer P Balusamy.
'Health workers stationed at these checkposts are using personal protective equipment (PPE) while screening incoming commuters in all vehicles. They are using infrared thermometers to check passengers' temperatures and look for symptoms of the zoonotic disease, including fever, muscle pain and respiratory issues,' he added.
Six teams have been deployed, each comprising one health inspector, one village health nurse and one female health volunteer, amounting to 18 staff members in total.
'At checkposts with high vehicle traffic, we are planning to deploy additional manpower based on the requirement,' he said.
'So far, we did not detect any suspected cases. If we do suspect any passenger, they will be taken to the nearest primary health centre, where throat and blood samples will be collected. Surveillance will continue until further orders from the state govt,' said Balusamy.
Another health department official said the zoonotic disease was spread by large fruit bats. 'Humans can contract the virus if they consume contaminated fruit. People should wash their hands regularly and avoid eating fruits and vegetables without thoroughly washing them,' he said.
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