Chennai, 12 July (IANS). Following reports of Nipah virus infection in Palakkad and Malappuram districts of Kerala, the Tamil Nadu Public Health and Preventive Medical Medical Medical Directorate has assured the public that there is nothing to panic, as the medical teams are on high alert to monitor any suspected case and take quick action.
In an official release on Saturday, the department said that no case of Nipah has been reported in Tamil Nadu and all necessary precautionary steps are being taken to prevent any possible outbreak.
Medical teams have been deployed in districts bordering Kerala and are on high alert to monitor any suspected case and quick action.
The Directorate has urged the residents to remain calm but vigilant and strictly follow the basic hygiene and safety protocols.
The public is advised to monitor the symptoms associated with Nipah virus, including fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breathing, seizures and even unconsciousness.
Those who are seeing these symptoms, especially those who have recently traveled to the affected areas of Kerala or have come in contact with a sick person have been advised to seek medical assistance in the nearest government hospital immediately.
To reduce the risk of infection, residents have also been advised to avoid eating without washed or fallen fruits, wash the fruits thoroughly before eating and wash hands with soap and water repeatedly and maintain proper hygiene of hands.
District Health Officers of Tamil Nadu have been instructed to keep a close watch on the situation and ensure that all preventive measures in their respective areas be strictly followed.
The Nipah virus is a junotic disease, that is, it spreads from animals to humans. Fruits and bats are considered the primary carriers of this virus, and infection in humans is often through contact with bats-contaminated fruits or infected by infected individuals or animals, such as pigs,.
The Tamil Nadu Health Department said that it would continue to keep a close watch on the situation in Kerala.
Citizens have been urged not to spread rumors and rely on official updates for accurate information.
-IANS
VKU/KR
