New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, June 12 (IANS). While the threat of Nipah virus has arisen in Kerala, the outbreak of Shigella bacteria continues in Wayanad. New cases of Shigella have started emerging from other districts. To deal with these threats, authorities have intensified surveillance and prevention measures across the state.
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said on Friday that the situation is under control and there is no need to panic as officials are closely monitoring the situation. After a new suspected case of Nipah came to light in Kerala, the Central Government has started closely monitoring the situation there.
The Union Health Ministry said that the activities taking place in the state are being monitored and all necessary help has been provided to prevent the spread of the infection.
Samples of suspected patients and their contacts have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, on an emergency basis for detailed testing.
Officials said that clear information about the severity of the infection and the source of the virus will be available only after the official test results are released. Efforts are being made to get the report as soon as possible.
The Central Government has directed the state to strictly follow the prescribed protocols and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for prevention of Nipah. The Union Health Ministry is in constant touch with the Kerala Health Department to review the containment measures and has assured technical assistance and expert support if needed.
People have been advised not to panic and follow the guidelines of the Health Department.
At the same time, Wayanad is also being closely monitored after cases of Shigella infection in children were reported. The number of confirmed cases has increased to 9 and more test results are expected today. Health officials said that 502 children of Koliyadi School had undergone treatment after showing symptoms related to the infection. 47 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Holidays have been declared in three panchayats and schools in Sultan Bathery municipality area to prevent the spread of infection through contact. The health department has also advised parents not to take children to crowded places and public events until the situation improves.
Rescue teams are carrying out ground level investigation, monitoring and awareness campaigns in the affected areas.
After two separate concerns related to infectious diseases emerged, health officials have increased surveillance and appealed to the people to take precautions without any unnecessary panic.
–IANS
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