Coimbatore: With Kerala reporting cases of Nipah virus in the state, Coimbatore Government Hospital has allocated special wards as a precautionary measure. Last year, several cases were reported in Kerala with people affected by Nipah.
Coimbatore: With Kerala reporting cases of Nipah virus in the state, Coimbatore Government Hospital has allocated special wards as a precautionary measure. Last year, several cases were reported in Kerala with people affected by Nipah.
A student from north Paruvoor area near Ernakulam is studying at a college in Thodupuzha, Idukki district. He was admitted in the hospital due to fever. Due to incessant headache and vomiting symptoms, his blood samples were sent to National Virology Test Center in Pune for investigation. They confirmed that the patient was affected with Nipah. He was immediately shifted to a sept ward and all the doctors, nurses and his close friends and relatives came under screening to check for the spread of the infection.
Nipah was first identified in a village named Nipah in Malaysia. Hence the name came into use. Nipah virus is usually spread by fruit eating animals like bats. Nipah can easily spread to pet animals like dogs, cats, goats etc., and can easily affect humans as well. This infection is deadly and hence severe precautionary measures are being taken to curb the spread of this virus. Special wards are thus being allocated to treat Nipah at the Coimbatore Government Hospital.
The Government Medical College Dean, Dr. Asokan stated, "As Kerala has reported a case of Nipah virus, the Health and Family Welfare Department and Animal Husbandry Department are on at full swing, taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of virus.
The borders are strictly protected to prevent the virus from spreading. People climbing coconut and palm trees need to be careful as the disease spreads through bat spit. Everyone needs to be cautious and avoid eating fruits bitten by animals, and hence you need to wash fruits thoroughly before eating and regularly wash hands before eating. If you experience symptoms like throat pain, extreme body pain and shortness of breath, immediately report at the Coimbatore Government Hospital and begin treatment," he warned.
Dr.Asokan also added that in case of doubt, the doctors will advise blood tests that will be investigated at Pune's Virology Centre and hence a circular has been sent to all the private hospitals to report cases immediately.
He confirmed that as of now, there are no cases reported in Coimbatore. "Despite this, the Coimbatore Government Hospital is ready to handle the situation if the need arises.
There are no precautionary medicines to prevent infection and the best way is to stay safe and not panic unnecessarily," he reassured.