After the confinement of the spread of Nipah virus to Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, Kerala Health Minister K.K.Shailaja on Wednesday said that the Nipah outbreak had been contained. This deadly virus outbreak has claimed 10 lives so far. Seventeen people are still undergoing treatment in the Kozhikode Medical College.
The Minster also informed the media about the report of two new cases of suspected Nipah virus infection in Kozhikode. She said that they were under observation and told the media that though the virus had been contained, there was a need to be alert. The Health Minister explained to the media that the entire expenditure of those patients would be borne by the state and there need not be any panic over bats.she said that the government was waiting for the supply of Ribavirin, a drug that’s commonly used for treating similar cases.
Health experts from both the centre and the state are working together in Kozhikode to curb Nipah spread.CM Pinarayi Vijayan had announced an ex gratia payment of Rs.5 lakh each to the families of the dead, after presiding over the cabinet meeting. He said that they(Govt.) had also decided to give a government job to the husband of the nurse Lini who died after attending to Nipah virus patients in Perambra, Kozhikode. The statement issued by CM’s office said,”Their two children will be given Rs 5 lakh each and this can be withdrawn when they turn 18″.
See also:Foreign Media on Nipah outbreak in Kerala
Actions were taken by Cyber Police against some who circulated fake news about the outbreak in social media, on the complaint from the State Health Department. State Police Chief Loknath Behra had warned about stringent actions against those who spread false propaganda on NiV virus. Name of the violators against whom the case had been registered is still unknown. Nipah Virus or NiV virus is transmitted through direct contact with infected bats, pigs or from other NiV infected persons.
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