The government has stepped up surveillance and containment measures following the Statewide alert issued by the Health Department in the wake of the Nipah virus outbreak.
The Animal Husbandry Department has strengthened its disease surveillance mechanism and opened a 24x7 helpline to assist farmers. Arrangements have been made to collect samples from animals suspected to have contracted the virus and send them to the High Security Laboratory at Bhopal for confirmation. Monitoring committees have also been set up at the State and district level.
Farmers are directed to dial 0471-2732151 for helpline assistance. Seeking to dispel fears over the spread of the Nipah virus, a pressnote quoting the Director of Animal Husbandry discounted the possibility of its transmission from livestock to humans.
The Commissionerate of Food Safety has constituted special squads in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts to carry out inspections on eateries and outlets selling food. It has directed the general public to be alert against contaminated food and drinking water. A press note issued by the commissionerate cautioned against using fruits and vegetables likely to have been nibbled by bats or other creatures.
The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has taken the initiative for an awareness campaign on the Nipah virus and its transmission. The campaign will focus on the precautions to be taken by doctors, health workers and others coming into contact with infected persons.
State leaders of KGMOA visited the epicentre of the virus outbreak at Perambra and pledged its support to the government in its efforts to keep the situation under control. The association also organised an expert medical team from the neighbouring districts to assist the doctors in Kozhikode.
