In a tragic incident, a 14-year-old boy from Malappuram district, Kerala, succumbed to the Nipah virus on July 21, merely a day after his diagnosis. Kerala Health Minister Veena George disclosed that the teenager experienced a severe cardiac arrest at 10:50 am and could not be revived despite medical intervention. The boy, who was on ventilator support, showed signs of critical illness with diminished urine output earlier that morning and was declared dead at 11:30 am. Authorities have confirmed that his last rites will be conducted following strict medical protocols.
In the wake of this outbreak, four more individuals who tested positive for Nipah have been categorized as “high risk” and are undergoing treatment at Manjeri Medical College. The virus’s epicentre has been traced to Pandikkad in the Malappuram district. Minister George has advised residents in the affected area and hospital visitors to wear masks in public and has warned against consuming fruits that may have been contaminated by birds or animals.
This marks the latest in a series of Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala, following previous instances in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021, and 2023, and in Ernakulam district in 2019. Nipah virus antibodies have been found in bats in several districts, including Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram, and Ernakulam.
In a bid to curtail future outbreaks, the state government has announced plans to develop a specialized action calendar. The public is urged to adhere to advisories and remain vigilant to combat the spread of this deadly virus, which has proven to be a persistent threat to health in the region.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/nipah-virus-claims-life-of-14-year-old-in-kerala-1053895-2024-07-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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