Central Government Vigilant on Nipah Virus, Health Ministry Reviews Situation in Kerala

Once again, Nipah virus has made its presence felt in the country. Several cases of Nipah virus have emerged in the southern state of Kerala. In response, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, reviewed the steps taken to control the outbreak of Nipah virus in Kozhikode, Kerala.

Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, reviewed the steps taken to control the outbreak of Nipah virus in Kozhikode, Kerala, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) in Pune.

After the review, Dr. Pawar stated that the central government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to prevent the spread. He mentioned that high-level teams from the Center and ICMR-NIV, under the guidance of Central Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, have already arrived in Kozhikode with mobile units linked to BSL-3 laboratories and will conduct on-ground testing. He also announced the designation of affected Gram Panchayats in the Kozhikode area as containment zones.

What is Nipah Virus?

Nipah Virus (NiV) spreads between animals and humans, primarily through fruit bats. However, it can also spread through other animals like pigs, goats, horses, dogs, and cats. Nipah virus spreads through the air, as well as through infected substances or fluid droplets.

It can be transmitted from an infected person to another individual. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, difficulty breathing, and vomiting, which can progress to brain inflammation in severe cases.