Kerala West Nile Fever: Alert In 3 Districts Amid Spike In Cases, Health Minister Issues Directives
kerala west nile fever: alert in 3 districts amid spike in cases, health minister issues directives
Kozhikode: The Kerala Health Department issued an alert in three districts in the wake of West Nile fever cases. West Nile Fever has been reported in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts. All districts have been advised to stay vigilant amid the virus outbreak.
In a recent high-level meeting, the Kerala Health Department outlined strategies to combat the spread of West Nile fever.
State Health Minister Veena George instructed to intensify pre-monsoon cleaning activities. The District Medical Officers have been instructed to intensify the activities.
“Of the five cases reported so far in the district, four have recovered and one is currently under treatment in the government medical college hospital,” Kozhikode district collector Snehil Kumar Singh told reporters. “Cases of West Nile Fever have been reported in the district before. It’s similar to dengue. There is no cause for alarm or panic right now. There are no hot spots.”
“Since it’s a vector-borne disease, stagnant water sources will have to be cleaned and mosquito breeding stopped. In 80% of the cases, there are usually no symptoms,” he added.
They have been instructed carry out coordinated activities with the district administrations and local self-government bodies. The District Vector Control Unit collected samples from different parts and sent them for testing.
It was also directed to strengthen awareness activities – since 2011, West Nile Fever has been reported in various districts in the state so there is no need to worry.
The minister also requested that anyone with a fever or other symptoms should seek treatment immediately.
West Nile viral infection was first detected in Uganda in 1937. In 2019, a six-year-old boy from Malappuram, infected with a vector-borne disease, died due to West Nile viral infection.
In Kerala, it was first detected in 2011. Later, in 2022, a 47-year-old man from Thrissur district died of West Nile viral infection. Most of the infected people with West Nile virus may not show any symptoms, but it can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans.