Nipah Scare in Kerala: Vigilance to be stepped up in Dakshina Kannada

Team Udayavani, Jul 24, 2024, 8:23 AM IST

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Mangaluru: In response to the detection of the Nipah virus infection in Kerala, the health department has decided to implement special vigilance in Dakshina Kannada district.

The recent death of a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram district in Kerala due to Nipah virus infection has raised concerns. Many people travel to Dakshina Kannada district for education and medical treatment, and instructions have been issued to report any symptoms of the disease to the health department immediately.

Dr. H.R. Thimmayya, District Health Officer of Dakshina Kannada told Udayavani that no cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in Dakshina Kannada district so far. However, “strict vigilance has been put in place. Circulars have already been sent to all medical colleges, private hospitals, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and taluk health officers regarding this,” he said.

“A meeting will be held with private medical colleges and the IMA. All primary health centers and private hospitals have been instructed to be alert and report any symptoms of Nipah virus in patients admitted for various treatments or those seeking treatment,” the DHO added.

Nipah Symptoms

A person infected with the Nipah virus initially develops a fever. Headache, vomiting, and respiratory issues may follow. Other symptoms include inflammation and muscle pain. The patient may fall into a coma and there is a possibility of death.