The Kozhikode-based Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research has launched awareness activities in five districts in the State that are considered to be hotspots for the zoonotic infection.
Nipah cases have been reported earlier in Kerala in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, and twice in 2024. The Health department zeroed in on Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad and Ernakulam as possible hotspots because either humans have been found to be infected there or the presence of the virus has been detected in fruit bats in these districts.
Official sources said there had been cases in Kozhikode in 2018, 2021, and 2023. In two of those occasions, the cases were from near Perambra and Kuttiyadi and the areas surrounding the Janakikkad forests. These places fall on the north-eastern side of the district and are close to Wayanad. The months between May and September were earlier considered crucial because they are the mating season of fruit bats, the principal carriers of the Nipah virus. However, some other studies have found that the mating season could begin in February itself.
In a study conducted by the National Institute of Virology, the presence of the virus were detected in fruit bats in Manathavady in Wayanad. Also, the Nipah-infected child who died in Malappuram in 2024 belonged to an area that is close to Wayanad.
Studies have revealed that the virus got transmitted from bats to humans five times, human-to-human transmission happened only twice. Hospitals were reported to be the source of transmission in most occasions, apart from family surroundings. So, the effort is to reduce the possibility of hospital-acquired infections. People have been advised against visiting hospitals unless there is any emergency. Wearing a face mask will help. Since persistent cough, vomiting and sneezing are some of the main symptoms of the infection, hospital authorities will have to check the body fluid samples of patients who exhibit them.
Published – March 04, 2025 07:19 pm IST