No case of Nipah virus in Maharashtra, but avoid visiting Kerala, says Govt

The stated has asked people to take cognisance of the symptoms of Nipah virus and immediately get admitted to a government hospital if affected by it.

The Maharashtra government, on Tuesday, declared that they have not found a single case of Nipah virus in the state so far. It has urged people to avoid visiting Kerala, especially the areas affected most.

To treat such cases, the state directed officials to open an isolation ward at every civil hospital across state. (HT Photo/Representational Image)

The stated has asked people to take cognisance of the symptoms of Nipah virus and immediately get admitted to a government hospital if affected by it. To treat such cases, the state directed officials to open an isolation ward at every civil hospital across state.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the state public health minister Dr Deepak Sawant, on Tuesday that was called to review the situation in the state.

The Nipah virus, which has claimed ten lives has created panic in Kerala. Also referred to as NIV, the infection of the virus spreads through fruit bats. The symptoms of Nipah virus are fever, body ache, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma and potentially death.

“There is no reason to panic as we have not found single case of Nipah in the state. In case symptoms are found, people are advised to consult a doctor immediately. In Mumbai, an isolation ward being used for patients affected with N1H1 flu virus at Kasturba Hospital, will be used for the same,” Dr Sawant said.