Nipah virus: Kerala government asks residents to avoid travel to four northern districts

Health officials said since the incubation period of the Nipah virus is between four to 18 days they will continue to monitor all those who had possibly came in contact with some of the deceased.

The Kerala government on Wednesday asked residents to avoid travelling to four districts in the north of the state amid a Nipah virus epidemic that has claimed 11 lives so far.

Family members of patients admitted at the Kozhikode Medical College wear safety masks as a precautionary measure after the 'Nipah' virus outbreak in Kozhikode on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)

The advisory issued by state health secretary Rajeev Sadanandan stated that travelling in any part of the state was safe but if travellers wished to be extra-cautious they can avoid these four districts for some time.

“A few cases of infection by Nipah virus have been reported from Kozhikode district. The infection remains highly localized. If travellers wish to be extra-cautious they may avoid these districts for some time,” said the advisory adding the government has taken effective measures to contain the virus and surveillance is on persons who were in contact with the affected persons. “The situation is under control and the infection is totally localized,” it said.

The advisory came in the wake of two suspected cases from Mangaluru and one in Kottayam. In the Mangaluru cases, both patients are from Kerala and they had met Nipah virus infected people while in hospital. All three persons were isolated and their blood samples taken for examination. Out of the 11 deaths, eight are from Kozhikode and three from Malappuram.

Health officials said since the incubation period of the deadly virus is between four to 18 days they will continue to monitor all those who had possibly came in contact with some of the deceased. The Nipaj virus infected 18 persons before it was localized and contained. At least 19 persons are under observation and another 30 have been quarantined.