Tamil Nadu sounds alert on Nipah virus

Chennai: In the wake of neighbouring state Kerala reporting several deaths due to Nipah virus in Kozhikode district, the Tamil Nadu health department sounded an alert for bordering districts of Kerala intensifying monitoring of fever cases in Kanyakumari, Coimbat-ore, Nilgiris and Tirunelveli.

The state health department alerted the deputy directors of public health and collectors of the bordering districts to ensure that there is no epidemic outbreak in Tamil Nadu.

State health secretary J. Radhakrishnan told reporters that Tamil Nadu health department is in constant touch with the Kerala health department on the incidence of Nipah virus. “We have cautioned all the district health ministries to be on an alert and keep a check on any symptoms of the dreaded virus. No need to panic or be anxious as the cases have not been reported in Tamil Nadu so far, the awareness and alert is a precautionary measure,” he said.

According to World Health Organisation, Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The natural hosts of the Nipah virus (NiV) are fruit bats that affect humans and animals like pigs and other domestic animals. The primary treatment for the virus infection in case of human is intensive supportive care.

District collector of Kanyakumari Prashant M. Wadnere also held a review meeting with the health department officials cautioning of the risk of Nipah virus and to strengthen the awareness on the deadly virus and risks associated with it. Many people from the district traveling to Kerala have been asked to take extra precautions, while the government health personnel are scanning visitors from neighbouring state.
 
The government hospitals and public health centers in Kanyakumari have been instructed by the district collector to ensure that any case of high fever or unusual symptom is reported to district health headquarters to arrest the case at the earliest, if any.

Director of public health Dr K Kolandaisamy alerted the government health authorities and doctors to closely monitor the cases of fever, respiratory illness, coma and breathlessness and update the fever cases regularly to the public health officials.

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a newly emerging disease, which can be transmitted to humans from animals, with natural hosts being fruit bats. Pigs and other domestic animals can also be the carriers once infected.

Symptoms

• High fever
• Headache
• Breathlessness
• Disorientation
• Mental confusion