Kerala Nipah Virus Scare: Schools, Colleges In Kozhikode To Remain Shut Till Sep 24

Due to the ongoing Nipah virus outbreak in Kozhikode district, the Kerala Government has decided to extend the closure of schools and colleges in the region until September 24. This directive applies to all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and tuition centers. However, online classes will continue as scheduled.

This decision comes in response to the recent confirmation of another Nipah virus case on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to six, with two unfortunate fatalities attributed to the virus.

State Health Minister Veena George disclosed that the contact list of infected individuals has now expanded to include 1,080 people, with 130 new additions reported just the previous day. Among them, 327 are healthcare workers. Additionally, 29 individuals on the contact list hail from neighboring districts, including 22 from Malappuram, three from Kannur, three from Thrissur, and one from Wayanad. It's noteworthy that 175 patients and 122 healthcare workers are classified as high-risk. Minister George expressed that the number of individuals on the contact list is likely to rise further.

Furthermore, the test results for the individual who succumbed on August 30 returned positive on Friday. According to the minister, it seems that other individuals contracted the virus from this initial case.

On September 12, the state issued a Nipah virus alert after two deaths were reported, and the individuals displayed fever and signs of virus infection. Subsequent tests conducted at the National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed that the deaths were indeed caused by the Nipah virus.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, pointed out that the mortality rate of the Nipah virus is significantly higher than that of Covid-19. Dr. Bahl stated, "Mortality among those infected with Nipah virus is very high, ranging from 40 to 70 percent, in contrast to Covid, which had a mortality rate of around 2-3 percent." During a press conference, he emphasized that efforts are underway to contain the Nipah virus outbreak due to its high mortality rate, noting that all the infected individuals had come into contact with an index patient or patient zero.

Meanwhile, the number of active Nipah virus cases in Kerala has risen to four after a 39-year-old man tested positive on Friday. Kerala Health Minister Veena George revealed that this man had contracted the virus through direct contact with an infected individual who passed away on August 30.

With the increase in active cases to four, the state government has decided to conduct tests for everyone on the high-risk contact list of the infected persons.

Studies conducted by the World Health Organization and ICMR have identified the entire state, not just Kozhikode, as susceptible to such infections. People living in forested areas are advised to exercise the highest precautions.