Nipah Virus Cases Surge in Kozhikode and Malappuram Districts
Nipah Virus Tragedy in Kerala
KOZHIKODE: Kerala's Malappuram district reported its second Nipah death on Sunday, a grim reminder of the zoonotic virus's threat. A test conducted at Pune's National Virology Institute confirmed that a Thiruvali native, who passed away on Sept 9, was infected with the virus. The deceased, a 24-year-old student in Bengaluru, had returned to his village on Aug 23.
Quarantine Measures in Response
Health minister Veena George stated that five individuals presenting with mild fever and symptoms related to Nipah infection have been quarantined. An emergency meeting was held to address the rising concerns after health officials identified 151 contacts of the deceased. These individuals will remain isolated until medically cleared.
Dr. R Renuka, the medical officer for Malappuram district, confirmed that the youth displayed a fever starting Sept 4, with initial symptoms resembling encephalitis. Authorities reported that he traveled widely with friends before falling ill. In response to the outbreak, face masks have been made mandatory, and surveys are set to commence in affected areas.
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