In Kerala, 13 persons have been admitted to isolation wards at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital on Wednesday (13 September 2023) after they developed fever-like symptoms. Three persons have been kept in isolation at their residence.

Kozhikode and its neighbouring districts are on a state of high alert after the deadly Nipah virus was detected in four persons, of which two lost their lives. The authorities have earmarked 75 isolation beds at the Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode. The drive to identify people who came into contact with the infected persons is underway. The number of persons thus identified has swollen to 789.

Meanwhile, the monoclonal antibody drugs sought by the state government from ICMR are expected to reach the district early morning on Thursday ( 14 September 2023). Two teams from the National Institute of Virology, Pune, dispatched by the Centre is also expected on Thursday ( 14 September 2023).

Health worker of a private hospital in Kozhikode infected with the Nipah virus

In Kerala, one more person, a health worker of a private hospital in Kozhikode has been infected with the Nipah virus. 13 persons have been kept under observation at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, where 75 isolation beds have been earmarked to treat Nipah patients.

Two more panchayats in the district have been declared containment zones, taking the total to nine. The number of persons who came into contact with those infected by the virus has risen to 789 in Kozhikode, of which more than 150 are health workers. In neighbouring Malappuram district, three persons including two health workers were put on observation after they reported high fever.

The Health Department officials conducted a survey in over 300 houses at Maruthomkara and Ayancherry panchayats, considered the epicentre of Nipah virus in Kozhikode. Samples of fruits generally consumed by bats were collected from these areas. As part of the precautionary steps taken to curb the spread of the virus, the district authorities have declared holiday today and tomorrow for all educational institutions in the district. They have issued directions to stop all  public functions for the next ten days and drastically limit public participation in all private and religious ceremonies. Meanwhile, two teams dispatched by the centre to assist the state government to tackle the Nipah infection, is expected to reach Kozhikode today.