Nipah Infection Back In Kerala, Confirmed In A Boy – Amar Ujala Hindi News Live

By
PR Tech News
-
0
22

Nipah infection back in Kerala, confirmed in a boy

A case of Nipah virus came to light.
– Photo: iStock

Expansion


Nipah virus has once again struck Kerala. A 14-year-old boy from Malappuram district has been confirmed to be infected. After the case of Nipah infection surfaced, the Kerala government has issued an alert. It has also appealed to people to be cautious.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that Pune NIV (National Institute of Virology) has confirmed the infection in the boy. The minor is undergoing treatment in a private hospital. He is on ventilator. Soon he will be shifted to the Government Medical College in Kozhikode. Also, contact tracing has been started. Along with this, high-risk contacts have been isolated. Their samples have been sent for testing.

The minister said that precautionary measures have been taken. Protocol regarding Nipah infection has been implemented. Apart from this, a meeting has been held with the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Director of National Health Mission and District Collectors of Malappuram and Kozhikode and strict measures have been asked to be taken. Apart from this, hospital staff and people have been asked to wear masks.

The virus was found in September

Nipah virus cases were reported in the southern state of Kerala in September 2023. Two people died in this. Kozhikode district of Kerala was most affected by the infection. In view of the risk of infection in Kerala, the surrounding states were also alerted. After this, in October, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed the presence of Nipah virus antibodies in samples of bats collected from Maruthonkara in the northern Kozhikode district.

Be careful about such symptoms

Health experts say that everyone needs to remain cautious about the risks of Nipah. Pay serious attention to its symptoms. Those infected initially have flu-like symptoms. The Nipah virus mainly attacks the lungs and the brain. Its symptoms can range from cough and sore throat to gastrointestinal problems like rapid breathing, fever, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which is believed to increase the risk of coma and death.