Kerala is grappling with its fourth Nipah virus outbreak since 2018, a deadly virus with no vaccine and a mortality rate of up to 75% among the infected.

In response to the outbreak in Kozhikode district, authorities have implemented containment zones in nine panchayats, reminiscent of Covid-era measures. The focus now is on identifying high-risk contacts after two deaths were reported due to this brain-damaging virus, which leads to respiratory distress and encephalitis. Additionally, five patients infected with the Nipah virus are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals. This marks the fourth outbreak of Nipah in Kerala since its initial occurrence in 2018.

Key Updates on the Nipah Virus Outbreak:

Containment Zones: These zones have been established within a five-kilometer radius of the homes of the two individuals who succumbed to Nipah infection on August 30 and September 11.

Test Results: The state sent 11 additional samples to Pune’s National Institute of Virology for testing, with results returning negative for the virus, providing a relief to the government.

Testing High-Risk Contacts: Samples from 15 individuals on the high-risk contact list have also been sent for testing.

Expert Team Deployment: A five-member team consisting of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, RML Hospital, and NIMHANS is stationed in Kerala to assess the situation and aid the state government in managing the Nipah infection.

Monoclonal Antibody: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has responded to the state’s request by delivering a monoclonal antibody to combat the Nipah virus. Although its clinical efficacy is yet to be proven, it stands as the only available treatment option.

Antiviral Stability: Kerala Health Minister Veena George disclosed that the antiviral’s stability was discussed with a central expert committee.

Mobile BSL-3 Laboratory: A mobile Biosafety Level-3 laboratory was dispatched to ground zero for testing virus samples in the district itself.

Body-Fluid Samples: The Kerala government has decided to collect body-fluid samples from all individuals on the ‘high-risk’ contact list associated with the first Nipah victim.

Rajasthan Alert: In response to the Nipah cases in Kerala, the Rajasthan government has instructed medical officials to remain vigilant.

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