Nipah Virus: Kerala Unveils Strengthened Prevention Strategy

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, has announced plans to ramp up efforts to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus in the state, particularly during the months from May to September when the virus is most active.

Minister George emphasized the importance of extreme caution and outlined several key preventive measures.  

According to an ANI news report, She urged the public not to destroy bat habitats, as disturbing these could increase the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, she advised against consuming fruits that have been bitten by birds and drinking honey from banana peels, both of which could be contaminated by bats.  

"We must all be vigilant and proactive in our efforts to prevent the spread of Nipah. By following these guidelines, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones," said Minister George.

She stressed the importance of educating children about these precautions to ensure community-wide awareness and safety.

Nipah Virus, transmitted from animals to humans, can lead to severe illness and fatalities.

On May 19, 2018, a Nipah virus disease (NiV) outbreak was reported in Kozhikode district of Kerala. This was the first NiV outbreak in South India.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 17 deaths and 18 confirmed cases as of June 1, 2018. The two affected districts were Kozhikode and Mallapuram, news agency ANI reported.

The Nipah outbreak reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala in May 2018 was the third Nipah virus outbreak in India, the earlier being in 2001 and 2007, both in West Bengal.

Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, Kerala's robust health system played a vital role in containing its spread. The state's proactive measures and emphasis on public health education contributed to its ability to manage the situation effectively.