Nipah Virus in Kerala: 7 containment zones declared, restrictions imposed after 2 deaths

The seven village panchayats declared as containment zones are Atanchery, Maruthonkara, Tiruvallur, Kuttiyadi, Kayakkodi, Villyapalli, and Kavilumpara

The Kerala government has taken swift action following two deaths and confirmation of four more Nipah virus cases in Kozhikode district, including a nine-year-old boy. Seven village panchayats in the district have been declared containment zones and restrictions imposed to contain the spread of the virus that, though less infectious, has a high mortality rate and can spread from person to person.

Schools and offices have been shut in the affected areas.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George told the state Assembly that the Nipah virus strain found in Kerala is same as the Bangladesh variant that spreads from human to human and has a high mortality rate, though it is less infectious.
Kerala has seen a Nipah virus outbreak in 2018 and 2021.

What are the containment measures?

The seven village panchayats declared as containment zones are Atanchery, Maruthonkara, Tiruvallur, Kuttiyadi, Kayakkodi, Villyapalli, and Kavilumpara. Until further notice, travelling in and out of these areas is restricted, with the police instructed to cordon off affected regions. However, shops selling essential items and medicines will remain open between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Health centres and pharmacies will operate without a specific time constraint.

Precautions for containment zones: Residents in the containment zones are advised to wear masks, use alcohol-based sanitisers, and maintain social distancing. Buses and vehicles travelling on national highways will not be permitted to stop in these areas.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the public not to panic but to adhere to the health department’s instructions and cooperate with the restrictions.

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) from Pune is sending teams to set up a mobile lab at Kozhikode Medical College to conduct tests on the virus and survey bats in the area. A group of epidemiologists from Chennai will conduct a survey in the affected regions. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has agreed to provide monoclonal antibodies needed for Nipah patient treatment.

What is the Nipah virus:

The Nipah virus, a zoonotic virus, was first discovered in 1999 during outbreaks in Singapore and Malaysia. It is typically transmitted through fruit bats but can also spread through pigs and other animals. Contaminated food can also be a source of transmission.

Symptoms and Treatment: Symptoms of Nipah virus infection include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and a sore throat. Currently, there is no specific treatment available for the Nipah virus, and supportive care, rest, hydration, and symptom management are the primary treatments for the virus. Close contact with infected individuals and their bodily fluids should be avoided, and good hand hygiene practices should be followed to reduce the risk of transmission.

There are no specific drugs or vaccines for the Nipah virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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