Chennai: Tamil Nadu has stepped up surveillance for the Nipah virus following another case reported in Kerala. The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) directed officials to closely monitor fever cases at primary health centres and govt hospitals across the state for any signs of clustering. Health authorities said the enhanced surveillance aims to ensure early detection and swift containment of any potential threat, particularly in districts bordering Kerala.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can spread from infected bats, pigs, other animals, or through close contact with infected persons. The incubation period ranges from six to 21 days. Common symptoms include fever, headache, respiratory distress, cough, vomiting, muscle pain, seizures, and encephalitis. Over the last 10 years, this has become a routine exercise whenever Nipah cases are reported in Kerala. Surveillance is strengthened in the border districts as a precautionary measure.
“Following the recent Nipah case in Kerala, districts have intensified preventive measures at 13 border check posts, including Udumalaipet and Walayar. If any suspected case is identified, stringent containment measures will be initiated. Since Nipah is not as easily transmitted as respiratory infections, people need not panic. No cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu so far,” said Dr A Somasundaram, director of public health and preventive medicine.
According to guidelines issued by the DPH, health authorities have been instructed to closely monitor Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases, particularly patients with fever and altered mental status, as well as those with recent travel history to affected areas or contact with infected individuals. Govt and private hospitals have been asked to remain alert and immediately report suspected cases through the surveillance system.
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