Kochi: A suspected case of Nipah virus infection has been reported from Ernakulam with a student of an engineering college at Thodupuzha showing symptoms and being treated at a private hospital in the city.
Authorities were awaiting the final test result of the patient’s blood samples from the Pune National Virology Institute to confirm virus. The government has launched a massive epidemic control exercise, including setting up of isolation wards in at least three medical colleges, in anticipation of outbreak of the deadly viral infection for which there is no vaccine available.
“The lab test result from the Kerala Institute of Virology and Infectious Diseases, Alappuzha, revealed the patient was affected by a virus similar to Nipah. We can confirm Nipah virus infection only after receiving the blood test result from the Pune NIV later tonight or early tomorrow,” Health Minister K.K. Shylaja said after an emergency meeting held at the Kalamassery Medical College here on Monday evening. The health department identified and put as many as 86 persons, who had come into contact with the patient in the last two weeks, under close surveillance.
The 23-year-old final-year student hailing from North Paravur is under treatment in an isolation ward in the Aster Hospital.
Arrangements were made to extend quick treatment to those with symptoms of the virus infection like fever, headache, dizziness and altered consciousness among others, the minister said.
“There is no need to panic though. We’re better prepared this time with the experience of fighting the disease in Kozhikode a year ago. The incubation period of the virus is usually four to 14 days. However, we will continue the alert for double this period,” she said.
Earlier, the meeting presided over by the minister and attended by top officials of the health department and health experts, including a five-member medical team from Kozhikode, which dealt with the virus infection in Kozhikode in May 2018, came to the conclusion that the chances for an outbreak of the disease wereremote.
“None of those who were in close contact with the patient exhibit severe symptoms. Even the patient has started responding to treatment and his condition is now stable. We’ve sufficient stock of ‘Ribavirin’ tablets used to treat the infection, while we could also make available another antibody procured from Australia and available with the NIV,” Shailaja said.
A round-the-clock control room has been opened at Kakkanad collectorate besides a help desk at the Kalamassery Medical College to report patients with the viral infection symptoms and coordinate the treatment activities.
The public can also ring up 1077 to get information and ask queries about the disease. They can also contact 1056 (Disha centre number) or e-mail nipahkochi@gmail.com.
Last May, the Nipah outbreak had claimed 17 lives, including that of a nurse who treated one of the patients.
