Nipah virus presence in Kerala prompts vigilance in Dakshina Kannada district

PTI, Sep 13, 2023, 4:06 PM IST

Mangaluru: The Nipah virus case has been officially confirmed in neighboring Kerala, prompting heightened vigilance in the border areas of Dakshina Kannada district.

The District Health Officer (in charge) for Dakshina Kannada has issued directives to Primary Health Centers within the district to conduct fever surveys diligently.

Additionally, isolation wards for Nipah cases have been earmarked at key healthcare facilities, including Wenlock District Hospital, Taluk Hospitals
, and Community Health Centers.

Private hospitals have also been urged to promptly report any suspected cases of brain fever or Nipah virus.

Addressing the media during presspersons, the official emphasized that while no Nipah virus cases have been reported in Dakshina Kannada district thus far, precautionary measures are being rigorously enforced. Adequate supplies of medication are available in the district, and in the event of symptoms indicative of the Nipah virus, blood samples will be sent to a laboratory in Pune for testing.

Surveyor Naveen Chandra Kulal was also present at the press conference to provide additional insights on the situation.