Latest news with #Kaniv108
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Kerala On Alert After Nipah Virus Cases: Know Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
The health department in Kerala has stepped up vigilance against an outbreak of the Nipah virus after two positive cases of the deadly zoonotic disease were detected in two districts. Officials said that alerts have been issued in the districts of Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad, where over 400 people are in the contact list of the two cases, which were confirmed after samples were tested in NIV-Pune. To manage the situation, ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 fleet, have been placed on standby. Fever surveillance has also been intensified in the affected areas, and the Health Minister has emphasised the importance of providing psychological support to those under observation. Amid the rising concerns over the spread of the deadly virus, here's everything to know about the Nipah virus. What is the Nipah virus? Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly fatal zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. It causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), respiratory distress, and in many cases, death. The deadly virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 and has since triggered several deadly outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia. In Kerala, the first outbreak in 2018 claimed 17 lives. The Nipah virus is primarily spread from fruit bats to humans. Contact with infected bats, their saliva or contaminated food can transmit the virus. Human-to-human transmission has also been observed, particularly through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids. Nipah virus symptoms Initial symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, headache, muscle pain, dizziness and drowsiness. As the disease progresses, symptoms can escalate to encephalitis (brain inflammation), seizures and confusion. Respiratory issues such as cough and sore throat may also appear. In severe cases, the virus can lead to coma and death. The Health Department has urged the public to remain alert, avoid consuming fruits bitten by bats, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise. Nipah virus treatment There is currently no vaccine for Nipah. Health officials often focus on supportive care, including maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and addressing symptoms as they arise. Nipah virus prevention The World Health Organisation recommends minimising contact with fruit bats and pigs, especially in outbreak areas. Ensure food is thoroughly cooked and avoid consuming raw or partially cooked fruits. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and using personal protective equipment, are essential in preventing the spread of the virus.
India Today
07-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Kerala's Palakkad Nipah patient critical, contact list has over 100 names
One of the two Nipah virus patients reported in Kerala last week is said to be in a critical condition, said Health Minister Veena George. The development has prompted the state to step up containment measures and surveillance across affected areas.'The condition of the patient is very critical,' Minister George confirmed after chairing a high-level meeting in Palakkad on Nipah virus case reported in Palakkad — a first ever in the district last week — is said to be currently receiving monoclonal antibody treatment, and being treated in isolation. According to the health minister, the first dose has already been administered, with a second dose scheduled for TRACING AND ISOLATION MEASURES Health officials have identified 173 contacts of the Palakkad patient, including 100 primary and 52 high-risk contacts. So far, 12 individuals have been placed under isolation, and five contact samples have tested the media, Minister George also said that there were a total of 425 people on the Nipah contact list in the state: 228 people are on the contact list in Malappuram, 110 in Palakkad and 87 in person on the contact list has tested negative, and 61 health workers in Palakkad are on the contact list. All 87 people on the contact list in Kozhikode district are health state has also published the route maps of infected individuals in Palakkad and Malappuram to trace the health department has directed that all contacts of the Palakkad patient mandatorily remain isolated within the district. Instructions have been given to conduct fever surveillance in the area, while ensuring psychological support is extended to affected families. Only biological samples are to be sent for measures include ambulances, including Kaniv 108, on standby for emergencies, with efforts to identify the source of infection being Chief Secretary, Health Department, The State Mission Director NHM, Health Department Director, Medical Education Department Director, Additional Directors, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, Police Officers, and various department officials attended the meeting.- Ends
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
425 Under Surveillance As Kerala Battles Fresh Nipah Virus Outbreak
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that 425 individuals have been placed on the Nipah virus contact list across the state. The highest number of contacts, 228, is in Malappuram district, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode. Among those on the contact list, one person has tested negative for the virus so far. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have initiated widespread surveillance and containment measures in the affected areas. In Malappuram district, intensive fieldwork is underway to trace the origin of the outbreak and prevent further spread. Surveillance operations have been conducted in 20 wards across the panchayats of Makkaraparamba, Kuruva, Koottilangadi, and Mankada. A total of 65 teams visited 1,655 households as part of door-to-door awareness campaigns and contact-tracing efforts. The survey was led by Dr N.N. Pameela, with technical support from C.K. Suresh Kumar, M. Shahul Hameed, and epidemiologist Dr Kiran Raj. The team has submitted a detailed report to the District Medical Officer, Dr Renuka. In Palakkad, one individual remains in isolation, while 61 healthcare workers have been identified as close contacts. The health department has decided to isolate individuals locally, with only their samples being sent for testing. Route maps of confirmed cases in Palakkad and Malappuram have been released to aid public awareness and contact tracing. In Kozhikode, all 87 individuals on the contact list are healthcare professionals who were potentially exposed during treatment or response efforts. To manage the situation, ambulance services, including the Kaniv 108 fleet, have been placed on standby. Fever surveillance has been intensified in the affected areas, and the Health Minister has emphasised the importance of providing psychological support to those under observation. Efforts to trace the source of the outbreak have also been stepped up. Fruit bats, known carriers of the Nipah virus, are once again suspected to be the source. A high-level review meeting chaired by Health Minister Veena George was held in the district. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the NHM State Mission Director, the Director of Medical Education, Additional Directors, District Collectors, District Medical Officers, police officers, and representatives from various departments. Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly fatal zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. It causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), respiratory distress, and in many cases, death. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1999 and has since triggered several deadly outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia. Kerala has now reported six Nipah outbreaks, making it the most Nipah-affected state in India. The state's first outbreak in 2018, centred in Perambra, Kozhikode, claimed 17 lives. Among the dead was nurse Lini Puthussery, who succumbed to the virus after treating the index patient before a diagnosis was confirmed. Investigations later confirmed that fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, were the likely source of the virus. Nipah spreads through direct contact with infected animals (like pigs), consumption of fruits or palm sap contaminated by fruit bats, and from human to human through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of the infection include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, altered consciousness, seizures, coma, and encephalitis. There is currently no vaccine for Nipah, and treatment is primarily supportive. The Health Department has urged the public to remain alert, avoid consuming fruits bitten by bats, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise.
