‘No need to panic, Kerala ready to tackle Nipah virus’

Kozhikode (Kerala), May 21: After three confirmed deaths due to Nipah virus (NiV) and reports of eight other patients awaited, Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja on Monday said things are under control and there is no need to panic. Shailaja, who has been camping here since Sunday coordinating various teams from health and other departments, said there was no need to panic as all possible protocols were in place even for the medical professionals and they were also being constantly monitored. “All the periphery hospitals of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital are fully equipped to tackle the fever. So, all those who have fever need not necessarily rush to the medical college.”

Shailaja mentioned that the visiting central team of health experts, led by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director Sujith Kumar Singh, was highly appreciative of the work being carried out by the Kerala Health Department. “Currently, eight patients are undergoing treatment. Their samples have been sent to Pune and results are awaited,” Shailaja told the media and added that the work was being carried out at a fast pace.

Nipah virus (NiV), spread by fruit bats that infects both animals and humans, claimed the lives of two brothers and their aunt in Perambara within a few weeks. Eight more people were under observation. Transmission of NiV takes place through direct contact with infected bats, pigs or from other NiV-infected people. (IANS)