Malappuram: In the wake of the Nipah virus, the Kerala government mandated face masks in the Malappuram district. It has declared five wards in two panchayats as containment zones and compiled a contact list of 175 people following a recent Nipah virus fatality on Monday.
Officials said wards 4, 5, 6, and 7 of Thiruvaly panchayat and ward 7 of Mambad panchayat have been designated as containment zones, falling within a 3-kilometre radius of the victim’s home. Strict restrictions have been imposed in these areas. Cinema halls, schools, colleges, tuition centers, madrasas, and Anganwadis will remain closed until further notice. Shops can operate from 10 am to 7 pm, with the public advised to maintain social distancing. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations in containment zones were postponed on Monday.
Earlier on Sunday, the state health department confirmed that samples from a 24-year-old man who died at a private hospital in Malappuram tested positive for Nipah virus at the National Institute of Virology, Pune.
Nipah Virus: A Persistent Threat
Kerala, a southern Indian state known for its lush greenery and backwaters, has faced multiple outbreaks of the deadly Nipah virus since 2018. This zoonotic virus, transmitted primarily through fruit bats and contaminated bodily fluids, has caused significant concern and loss of life.
The initial outbreak in 2018 led to a widespread public health emergency, with several cases and fatalities reported. Since then, Kerala has monitored the situation and implemented preventive measures. However, the virus’s ability to re-emerge and spread rapidly has made it a constant threat to the state’s population.
The Kerala government has taken proactive steps to combat the virus, including contact tracing, isolation of infected individuals, and public awareness campaigns. Additionally, research efforts are underway to develop vaccines and effective treatments. Despite these efforts, the challenges posed by the Nipah virus remain significant, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation.
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