The Kerala government has been informed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) of the presence of the Nipah virus in bats in the Wayanad district, emphasising there is no need for alarm. State Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating that the ICMR's findings are part of their ongoing ecosystem studies in the region. "ICMR has said that it has found the presence of the virus in bats in Wayanad. It is a continuation of the ecosystem there," she explained, as quoted by news agency PTI.
This development comes in the wake of a Nipah virus outbreak in Kozhikode district earlier this year, adjacent to Wayanad, which resulted in six confirmed cases and two fatalities.
George emphasised that there is no cause for fear or panic, as this information is primarily to raise awareness and encourage vigilance among the public.
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Healthcare efforts related to the Nipah virus are actively coordinated, with healthcare and medical professionals receiving training on how to manage suspected Nipah infection cases.
The minister underscored that while Nipah virus infection could potentially occur anywhere in India, the detection of the virus in bats in Wayanad has led to heightened preventive measures. However, she reiterated that there is no need to panic, and the information aims to foster awareness, PTI reported.
Speaking to reporters about the current status of the Nipah outbreak, which infected six individuals in Kozhikode district last month, resulting in two fatalities, George indicated that all individuals listed as contacts of the infected patients have completed their isolation and quarantine periods.
She also praised the state's achievement in reducing Nipah's typical mortality rate, ranging from 70-90%, to 33%.
George highlighted the various steps taken by the government to combat the virus, including the issuance of Kozhikode-specific standard operating protocols (SOPs). Furthermore, a Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research has been established, PTI's report mentioned.
She disclosed plans for consolidating field activities across departments related to public health, integrating them into Kozhikode Medical College. However, the ultimate goal is to develop it into an independent research institute with its own infrastructure.
Of the two Nipah-related deaths, the first victim, who passed away on August 30, is considered the index case, from whom others contracted the infection.
This year's Nipah outbreak marks the fourth occurrence in the state since 2018.