KOZHIKODE: Kerala has established an operations center in Kozhikode while awaiting results from Pune's National Institute of Virology (NIV) to confirm the presence of the Nipah virus. Following the unfortunate deaths of two individuals linked to fever-related symptoms, the state government is taking precautionary measures.

With concerns over the possible existence of the deadly Nipah virus, the Kerala government has established a control room in Kozhikode and has recommended the use of masks. In response to two "unnatural deaths" reported in the district, Kerala authorities have sent five samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for testing.

In light of the suspected Nipah virus infections associated with the two recent deaths, a district-wide health alert was issued. The samples submitted for testing at the virology institute include one from the deceased individual and four from their close relatives.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grave concern about the two fatalities in a Facebook post. The health department has issued an alert in the district due to suspicions of the Nipah virus, but the Chief Minister reassured the public, stating that most individuals in close contact with the deceased are already receiving medical attention.

State Health Minister Veena George, who arrived in the district, chaired a high-level meeting to assess the situation. She emphasized that the government is taking all necessary precautions in the event that the test results confirm the presence of the Nipah virus.

The health department has established 16 core committees responsible for surveillance, sample testing, research management, contact tracing, and patient transportation. Minister George stated that the entire healthcare system in the district is on high alert, with four relatives of the initial deceased person currently hospitalized. One child among those hospitalized is receiving ventilator support.

Upon learning of the initial fever-related death, the health department initiated surveillance procedures to identify potential contacts and gather relevant information to assess the presence of the Nipah virus.

Minister George disclosed that a control room has been set up, and 16 committees have been formed to coordinate precautionary measures. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been instructed to adhere to infection control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). She also advised against unnecessary hospital visits.

Minister George sought to alleviate public concerns, emphasizing that these measures are precautionary and intended to prevent additional cases in case the test results are positive. She expressed hope that the results would be negative. The minister also recommended the use of masks in public to curb the potential spread of the infection.

Contact tracing for the deceased individuals has begun to identify high-risk contacts. Minister George stressed that while preliminary tests have been conducted, confirmation of the Nipah virus can only be made after samples are tested at Pune NIV. The first death occurred at a private hospital, and presently, the victim's children, brother, and his children are receiving treatment for fever.

The health department has issued instructions to establish an isolation center at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital and increase the required staff accordingly. Kozhikode district previously experienced Nipah virus infections in 2018 and 2021, with the first outbreak in South India reported on May 19, 2018.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness transmitted from animals to humans. It can also be spread through contaminated food or direct person-to-person contact. The virus can lead to a range of illnesses, from asymptomatic infections to severe respiratory problems and fatal encephalitis in affected individuals. Additionally, Nipah virus can cause significant economic losses for farmers due to severe disease in animals such as pigs.

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