Kochi: A fresh outbreak of Nipah virus has put Kerala on alert.
The state’s Health department stepped up vigilance after two positive cases of the deadly disease were detected in Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Malappuram.
State Health minister Veena George said a red alert has been sounded in these three districts, where around 350 people have been identified to be among the contact list of two confirmed cases of the bat-borne, zoonotic virus.
Officials are carrying out thorough fieldwork to trace the origin of the virus’ outbreak and prevent its spread.
Over 60 teams of health workers visited 1,655 households as part of door-to-door awareness campaigns and contact-tracing efforts.
There is a stress on fever surveillance in the affected areas, and ambulance services have been activated on an urgent basis.
The Health minister underlined the importance of providing psychological support to those under observation.
The monsoon link
According to experts, Nipah virus cases surface in Kerala every year, mainly during the monsoon season, due to the ecology of the region.
Because of the climate and landscape in Kerala, there is a dense fruit tree cover and a big population of fruit bats, which are natural hosts of the virus.
With land use patterns changing, there is more and more human encroachment into bat habitats, say experts. Consuming fresh fruits or toddy increases the possibility of bat-human contact.
Increased moisture during rainy season spoils fruits faster, making them more attractive to bats. Also, waterlogging is likely to bring humans, bats and domestic animals into closer contact, raising the chance of spillover.
Although Nipah virus spreads between animals and human mainly through fruit bats – also known as flying foxes – it can also pass through pigs, goats, horses, dogs, or cats.
