Nipah Virus: Health Worker Is Kerala's Fifth Confirmed Case; 9-Year-Old Boy Critical; Alert In Several Dists

Kozhikode: So far 5 cases of Nipah virus have been reported in Kerala. Two people have died due to the virus in Kozhikode district. 

Apart from Kozhikode, an alert has also been issued regarding the virus in Kannur, Wayanad and Malappuram. Seven village panchayats here have been made containment zones. Wearing masks has been made mandatory here.

A 24 year-old health worker has become Kerala's fifth confirmed Nipah case since its recent outbreak.

The health worker employed at a private hospital in Kozhikode has been confirmed with Nipah virus infection after his samples turned positive.

Govt orders anti-viral treatment for 9-year-old boy

Meanwhile, the condition of a 9-year-old child who has tested positive for Nipah has been reported to be critical. The government has stepped up its efforts for the treatment of the boy and ordered the only anti-viral treatment available.

The government has ordered monoclonal antibody from Indian Council of Medical Research to treat the child. It is the only available anti-viral treatment for Nipah virus infection, though it has not been clinically proven yet.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said the 9 year-old boy is on ventilator support at a hospital in Kozhikode, and his condition remains critical.

"We have ordered the monoclonal antibody with the ICMR and it would be brought to Kozhikode soon. The imported medicine is already available with the ICMR," she said.

Condition of 76 people in high-risk contact category is stable

The minister said the condition of all 76 people who are in the high-risk contact category remains stable.

She said 13 persons who have mild symptoms are now being monitored in the hospital, and only the child is in the Intensive Care Unit.

Nipah virus can spread to humans from animals like bats and pigs. The death rate of this disease is very high. Till now there is no treatment or injection available for it. 

According to WHO, patients infected with Nipah virus show symptoms like viral fever along with headache, feeling like vomiting, difficulty in breathing and dizziness.