Nipah Virus Outbreak: Kerala Enforces Strict Measures in Malappuram Following Recent Death of 24-Year-Old
Strict Measures Imposed to Control the Spread of the Virus
Kerala is taking decisive steps to manage a Nipah virus outbreak in Malappuram district, following the recent death of a 24-year-old from the infection. The state government has set up containment zones and introduced new restrictions to prevent further spread of the virus.
New Restrictions and Precautions
To tackle the outbreak, the health department has deployed 66 teams to conduct fever surveys in a three-kilometer radius around the deceased’s home. Here are the key measures now in place:
- Early Closures: Shops in the affected areas are required to close by 7 pm.
- Shutdown of Public Facilities: Cinema halls, schools, colleges, madrassas, anganwadis, and tuition centers are closed until further notice.
- Public Health Guidelines: Masks are now mandatory in public places, and there are limits on the number of people allowed at weddings, funerals, and other gatherings.
Ongoing Response and Contact Tracing
State Health Minister Veena George has announced that 175 people, including 74 health workers, are being monitored for possible exposure to the Nipah virus. Out of these, 126 are primary contacts, with 104 classified as high-risk. Ten people are being treated at Manjeri Medical College Hospital, and 13 samples have been sent for testing.
Historical Context
This is the second death related to Nipah virus in Malappuram this year, following the death of a young boy in July. Kerala has experienced similar outbreaks before, with significant incidents in Kozhikode in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam in 2019.
Kerala’s quick response highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating this latest Nipah virus outbreak, aiming to control its spread and protect public health.
Source: Financial express
Also Read: Nipah Virus: What You Need to Know About the Deadly Outbreak and How to Protect Yourself
