Kerala Nipah virus: Centre suggests measures after 11 contacts of child show symptoms
Meanwhile, The Union health ministry sent a letter to Kerala chief secretary Dr VP Joy recommending measures to be taken to control the spread of Nipah virus in the state.
FollowA day after a 12-year-old boy Mohammed Hashim in Kozhikode succumbed to Nipah virus disease, in Kerala, a total 251 persons who came in contact with the victim have shown symptoms of the infection.
The government has sounded an alert in Kozhikode and nearby districts of Malappuram and Kannur and a special laboratory under the aegis of the National Institute of Virology lab, Pune, had been set up at the MCH, Kozhikode.
Health Minister Veena George said 38 are in isolation at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital and of which 11 have shown symptoms. She added that of the 251 contacts, 129 are healthcare workers. "There are 38 persons in isolation at the Kozhikode Medical College hospital of which 11 have shown symptoms. Samples of eight persons have been sent to Pune NIV for testing," the minister said.
A medical expert team visited the house and locality of the 12-year-old boy. While another team from the Animal Husbandry Department also inspected the locality.
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Meanwhile, The Union health ministry sent a letter to Kerala chief secretary Dr VP Joy recommending measures to be taken to control the spread of Nipah virus in the state.
The ministry directed the state officials to strengthen hospital-based and community-based surveillance, to arrest the spread of Nipah virus to other areas.
A central team which visited Kerala carried out field investigations along with district surveillance officer and other officials. "It also visited the epicentre, house of the 12-year-old male diseased child, interacted with family members and others," according to Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
The government has halted the Covid-19 vaccination drive in Kozhikode district for two days as precautionary measures.
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