The state is currently fighting the extremely contagious Nipah virus which was the first case that occurred within the state of the year 2018. Two victims have died in the state. The outbreak earlier was deemed to be unnatural’. One of the first times India experienced the Nipah virus outbreak was in the year 2018. On the 19th of May, 2018 the Nipah virus (NiV) epidemic was announced in the Kozhikode district in Kerala, India, and within a short time, seventeen deaths as well as 18 cases were reported from Kerala.
The case has been verified to date
Within a few days of identifying the first Nipah case in the state, a total of 5 cases have been reported in the state. The state government has found the contact list of the relatives of those who have been infected. It has been found that around 700 people have come in close contact with the patients. Out of these 700, about 77 are in the high-risk category, Kerala health minister Veena George said.
This is the Bangladesh variant.
The Nipah variant seen in Kerala this time is the Bangladesh variant. This variant is said to be less infectious than other variants though it has a high mortality rate. It spreads faster between humans to humans.
Common symptoms
The early symptoms of Nipah seen in infected people are fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting, and sore throat. This is followed by dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, and neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis. “Some people can also experience atypical pneumonia and severe respiratory problems, including acute respiratory distress. Encephalitis and seizures occur in severe cases, progressing to coma within 24 to 48 hours,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.
Restrictions have been put in place in Kozhikode.
To contain the spread of the infection, the state government has imposed restrictions in Kozhikode. The government has banned gathering a large number of people at festivals and functions. Fifty-eight wards across the district have been declared containment zones.
How to stop Nipah infection?
Since there is no drug available against Nipah infection, the only way to prevent getting the disease is to follow safe hygiene rules. Clean your hands regularly if you are attending to an infected person. Always wash the vegetables and fruits properly before consuming them. Avoid touching exposed surfaces. Wear masks if you are going to a crowded place.