Kerala Health Department Issues Alert As West Nile Fever Cases Surface In 3 Districts

West Nile Fever has been confirmed in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts of Kerala.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the intensification of pre-monsoon cleaning operations. ( Image Source :Facebook/VeenaGeorge )

With the emergence of West Nile fever cases in three districts, the Kerala Health Department issued an alert on Wednesday. The instances of West Nile Fever have been confirmed in Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur districts.

In a recent high-level meeting of the health department, Kerala Health Minister Veena George directed the intensification of pre-monsoon cleaning operations. District Medical Officers were tasked with enhancing these activities, alongside coordinating efforts with district administrations and local self-government bodies. Samples were collected from various areas by the District Vector Control Unit for testing purposes.

Moreover, a call was made to bolster awareness initiatives emphasizing that West Nile Fever has been reported in the state since 2011. The Minister urged individuals experiencing fever or related symptoms to promptly seek medical attention.

In the wake of West Nile fever reported in three districts, Kerala Health Department issued alert. West Nile Fever has been reported in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts.

In a high-level meeting of the health department held last week, State Health Minister…

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2024

 

On Tuesday, Kerala health officials announced that five cases of West Nile fever have been verified in the northern district of Kozhikode. All affected individuals, including children, have recuperated and returned home, with no additional cases detected in their residential regions, as confirmed by an official from the district surveillance team. Presently, only one person is under suspicion of having acquired the vector-borne infection and is undergoing treatment.

As per the state health department, the West Nile Virus (WNV) belongs to the flavivirus genus and is categorized within the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the Flaviviridae family. It can trigger a severe neurological illness in humans, which can be fatal, although numerous infected individuals may not display any symptoms.