Wear Masks: Kerala Boy Dies from Nipah Virus
Sad News in Malappuram
A 14-year-old boy from Pandikkad, Malappuram, died from the Nipah virus on Sunday. He was getting treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The boy was on a ventilator and had a heart attack at around 10:50 am. Despite doctors’ efforts, he passed away at 11:30 am.
Health Minister’s Statement | Nipah Virus
Health Minister Veena George shared that the boy was unconscious with very low urine output. He had a severe heart attack. She said that the post-death formalities would follow the international Nipah virus protocol. The family of the boy will help decide the funeral arrangements.
People in Isolation
Three people are in isolation at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), and four people are in isolation at Manjeri GMCH. One person in Manjeri is in the intensive care unit. The results of their samples will come soon. They all have viral fever, but there is no need to panic. People who were in contact with the boy should not worry.
Antibody from ICMR
The health department received a monoclonal antibody from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today, but the boy passed away before doctors could use it.
High-Risk Contacts
There are 246 people in the Nipah contact list in the district, with 63 of them in the high-risk category. A mobile testing lab from the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune will arrive today. Although there are testing facilities at Kozhikode Medical College and Thonnakkal Institute of Advanced Virology, results from NIV are needed to confirm the infection. Samples will be taken first from those showing symptoms.
Special Fever Clinics
Special fever clinics will be set up in Wandoor, Nilambur, and Karuvarakundu, near the panchayat where Nipah was confirmed. A house-to-house survey will be conducted in Pandikkad and Anakkayam panchayats to identify people with symptoms. There are 16,711 houses in Pandikkad and 16,248 houses in Anakkayam. A team of officials from health, local self-government, and animal husbandry departments, along with volunteers, will conduct the survey.
Central Government’s Support
The Union Health Ministry announced that a multi-member joint outbreak response team from the ‘One Health’ mission will be sent to help the state. They will investigate the case, identify links, and provide technical assistance.
Stay Safe
While this is a serious situation, the health department is working hard to control the outbreak. People should stay calm and follow health guidelines to stay safe.
