THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the death of two persons following suspected symptoms of the Nipah virus, the Kerala health department has sounded an and convened a high-level meeting in Kozhikode on Tuesday to review the situation.
Health minister Veena George will preside over the meeting in Kozhikode which will be attended by medical experts. The protocol related to the Nipah virus will be activated once the reports of the samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune are received.
The medical care system in the district has been put on alert as the condition of two persons, who are suspected to have Nipah, continues to be critical. Two sons and a relative of a native of Maruthonkara who died due to suspected Nipah virus, are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
The elder child who is nine years old, is on ventilator support while the condition of the four-year-old is serious but not critical. Meanwhile, the condition of a 25-year-old relative of the deceased is said to be satisfactory.
Health experts have begun efforts to trace the contacts of the deceased. A field survey has also been initiated in this connection.
Meanwhile, the test results from the Pune Institute of Virology are likely to be received later in the day. If the Nipah is confirmed at the NIV test then the health department will put in place Nipah protocol measures.
Nipah cases in 2018: The health department is taking no chances this time in view of the Nipah deaths that had occurred in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in 2018. The state had reported 17 Nipah deaths out of the total 18 confirmed cases.
Health experts said there was no need to panic about the Nipah virus. In the event of a fever accompanied by a headache, one must consult a doctor. Staying home is advisable for those having fever, headache, or respiratory infection at least till the infection subsides.
Unless you have direct contact with the infected persons or the articles used by them, the chances of contracting the virus are minimal. People should ignore fake messages being spread through social media and WhatsApp groups.
There is no vaccine for either humans or animals. The primary treatment for human cases is intensive supportive care. Anti-viral therapy along with supportive treatment is effective. Managing fever, headache, electrolyte imbalance and renal problems is crucial. Ventilator support is also needed since the virus affects the brain and the patient could have severe respiratory problems.
