ALBAWABA- In response to the alarming Nipah virus outbreak in the Indian district of Kozhikode, Kerala state, the local authorities have taken swift action to safeguard public health.
All educational institutions in the district have been ordered to shut down for two days, effective Thursday and Friday.
The move comes as a preventive measure to curb the spread of the brain-damaging Nipah virus. Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha made the announcement through a Facebook post and encouraged educational institutions to conduct online classes during the closure.
Additionally, the neighboring Wayanad district has established a 24-hour control room in response to the Nipah outbreak in Kozhikode. Wayanad district authorities have also formed 15 core committees dedicated to leading prevention and surveillance efforts, ensuring a swift response to any emergencies that may arise.
The virus strain detected in the state has been identified as the Bangladesh variant, capable of human-to-human transmission with a notably high mortality rate. Although it is considered less infectious, authorities are treating the situation with utmost seriousness.
The State Health Minister, Veena George, has reported that the 76 individuals classified as high-risk contacts remain in stable condition.
This Nipah virus outbreak, distinct from COVID-19, underscores the ongoing global challenges in combating emerging zoonotic diseases, particularly in regions where fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family serve as natural hosts for the virus.
