Centre calls for reinforcing hospital, community-based surveillance to contain Nipah outbreak

"The central team has carried out field investigations along with district surveillance officer and other officials. It has also visited the epicentre, the house of a 12-year-old male diseased child, has interacted with family members, neighbours, field health functionaries, ward members, local elected representatives, ANMs, ASHAS and has reviewed event-based surveillance in the community," Bhushan said in his letter.

He said presently, NIV, Alleppy is providing laboratory support but in accordance with the request of the state government, DG, ICMR has initiated action to establish point of care testing at VRDL, Kozhikode.

The Government Medical College, Kozhikode has been identified as the treatment centre, the letter said.

Adequate number of single-room isolation facilities and negative pressure ICUs maybe earmarked as stan by, a referral system be established along with carmarked ambulances and trained staff and adequate stock of Ribaverin (anti-viral) and PPEs need to be maintained at the district level, the secretary recommended.

The ICMR is exploring the feasibility of getting appropriate monoclonal antibodies for treatment purpose, Bhushan said. The secretary further highlighted the need for setting up a 24×7 control room for daily reporting and sharing information with the media.

Coordination with the Animal Health and Wildlife Department and other field officers may be initiated to trap and collect samples from fruit bats for virological studies and other associated measures, Bhushan suggested.

"I once again reiterate the commitment of the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry to extend all possible technical support to the state government in addressing the present problem in an effective manner," Bhushan said in his letter.

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