Coimbatore, June 13 (IANS). The Nilgiri district administration has stepped up surveillance at key check posts on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border after a suspected case of Nipah virus was reported in neighboring Kozhikode district. Officials said that precautionary measures have been taken to prevent the infection from spreading in Tamil Nadu.
District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneru said health department personnel have been deployed at all major border outposts including Thalur, Nadugani, Nambiarkunnu, Soladi and Pattavayal.
Travelers and tourists coming from Kerala are being screened for symptoms associated with Nipah virus infection, while officials are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Vigilance has been heightened following initial reports from Kerala that a patient in Kozhikode has tested positive for the virus.
Although no threat has been confirmed in Tamil Nadu yet, the district administration has taken precautionary measures in view of the heavy movement of people at the interstate border.
Officials said residents of many border villages frequently visit Kerala for work and business, leading to regular cross-border movement.
Given these factors, health officials have stepped up surveillance efforts beyond checkposts and are paying special attention to areas with large populations of migrant workers.
Necessary health checks are being conducted and surveillance has been increased at these places.
As part of the preparedness measures, government hospitals, primary health centres, community health centers and private hospitals across the district have been instructed to remain alert.
Medical institutions have been instructed to immediately report any suspicious symptoms related to Nipah to the health department so that prompt intervention can be taken.
The administration has also appealed to visitors from Kerala to voluntarily seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory illness or other health problems related to the virus.
Officials said early notification and treatment would be important to prevent any possible infection.
District Collector Tanneru stressed that these measures were purely precautionary and urged the public not to panic.
He said the district administration is working closely with health officials and is constantly reviewing the developments in Kerala.
With increased screening, preparedness of hospitals and monitoring arrangements at the ground level, officials expressed confidence that the district is fully prepared to deal with any emergency.
He reiterated that there is no cause for concern for residents at this time and monitoring will continue as a precautionary measure.
–IANS
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