In recent years, India has experienced several outbreaks of the deadly Nipah virus.
The southern Indian state of Kerala has declared a state of emergency in its fight against the Nipah virus, a rare and deadly disease that has already claimed two lives.
Schools, offices, and public transport have been shut down in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. Indian health officials have implemented various containment zones to control the spread of the virus.
A five-kilometer containment zone was established around the residences of the two men who died of the Nipah virus on August 30, a 47-year-old man, and September 11, a 40-year-old man, according to Health Minister Veena George.
“As of Thursday afternoon, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha had declared 53 wards as containment zones across nine panchayats (a village council). This number is likely to increase if more positive cases of the virus are reported in forthcoming days,” according to Hindustan Times.
The news outlet added, “The drill is the same as it was during Covid. All key entry and exit routes to and from these wards are barricaded and police personnel are posted . Shops selling essential items and medical shops can operate from 7 am to 5 pm. Those requiring urgent medical care and hospital attention are exempt from the restrictions.”
“Residents cannot step out unnecessarily. If they need any kind of help with regard to medicines or essential food items, we provide them through our volunteers, who are given badges by the panchayat. Schools and other educational institutions are also shut,” said the president of one of the village councils (panchayat).
As of Wednesday evening, the state government reported that at least 706 people, including 153 healthcare workers, were undergoing tests for the virus. Results are still pending, according to NBC News.
“We are focusing on tracing contacts of infected persons early and isolating anyone with symptoms,” said state Health Minister Veena George.
Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, issued a statement urging people to avoid public gatherings in the Kozhikode district for the next 10 days. “More people could be tested. Isolation facilities will be provided,” he assured.
The Nipah virus is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats, pigs, or people.
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