Possible Nipah Virus Case Detected in Puducherry: Urgent Testing Underway

Possible Nipah Virus Case Detected in Puducherry: A potential Nipah virus case raises concerns in Puducherry as a patient with symptoms linked to the virus is tested.

OpEd Desk September 23, 2023

Possible Nipah Virus Case Detected in Puducherry: A possible Nipah virus case was detected on Friday at the JIPMER Hospital in Puducherry. At a nearby hospital, a 45-year-old Chidambaram resident appeared with symptoms of fever and body ache. Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)-like symptoms were reported to hospital staff, who then forwarded the patient to JIPMER.

The patient had visited Kerala regions where the Nipah virus had spread, and his encephalitis symptoms were consistent with the Nipah virus. Officials from the health department said samples would be sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing to determine whether the case is actually one of the Nipah virus.

“Most suspected Nipah cases have symptoms that are similar to those of acute encephalitis syndrome, but this case is extremely suspicious because the patient has a history of visiting to a Nipah-affected region. We will make a decision based on the test findings, which should arrive in around two to three days, according to an official. The patient is being watched right now.

The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has given orders to the pertinent departments to maintain vigilance. The state health department is actively monitoring suspected instances of Nipah and fever-like diseases. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have not yet reported any verified cases of Nipah this year.

Also read: Kerala Faces Its Fourth Nipah Virus Outbreak: Understanding the Challenges and Causes

Due to the possible spread of the fatal virus, Kerala has seen its fourth outbreak of the Nipah virus since 2018. As a result, the state has created containment zones, which are similar to COVID-19 control measures, in various regions. The public has been warned to stay indoors, and schools have been closed.

Kerala is putting an emphasis on therapy in addition to strict preventive measures. India has contacted Australia to request monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of the Nipah virus.

All educational facilities in the Kozhikode district will be closed until September 24 due to the potential spread of the fatal Nipah virus. Following the confirmation of a fresh Nipah virus infection on Friday, increasing the total number of confirmed cases to six, the government made the choice. In the most recent epidemic, the virus claimed the lives of two people.