Nipah virus: Schools, colleges closed in Kerala's Kozhikode indefinitely

As the Nipah virus outbreak intensifies in Kerala, the government has announced the indefinite closure of educational institutions and Beypore harbour in the Kozhikode region, while ramping up containment and contact tracing efforts.

As the Nipah virus outbreak intensifies in Kerala, the government has announced the indefinite closure of educational institutions and Beypore harbour in the Kozhikode region, while ramping up containment and contact tracing efforts.

The Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala has led to the temporary closure of all educational institutes, including schools, colleges, and tuition centres in the Kozhikode region.

The state government has also announced that Beypore harbour will suspend its operations until further notice as the region lies within a designated containment zone.

IDENTIFICATION OF INDEX CASE AND ONGOING TRACING EFFORTS

The Kerala state government has confirmed the identification of the man who was the patient zero, or index case, of the ongoing Nipah virus outbreak.

The government is rigorously tracking mobile tower locations to trace the source and location of infection. The man succumbed to the virus on August 30. His son and brother-in-law, along with two others he was in contact with at the hospital, continue receiving treatment.

“No new positive cases have been reported as yet, and 94 high-risk contacts have tested negative, which is a relief,” said Health Minister Veena George, as per ANI. The government is simultaneously focusing on contact tracing of a sixth person confirmed to be infected with the Nipah virus.

CONTAINMENT EFFORTS IN THE AFFECTED ZONES

Kozhikode City Mayor Beena Philip has declared all areas where the index case travelled as containment zones.

Meanwhile, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha has organised for educational institutions to shift to online classes for the upcoming week and advised students against indulging in holiday-related festivities.

Geetha also announced that Beypore harbour would remain closed until further orders. Two alternate sites have been allocated for the landing and sale of fishing vessels’ catch while the harbour’s operations are suspended.

IMPACT ON HEALTH WORKERS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

On a concerning note, Health Minister Veena George reported that out of the 1,080 people on the contact list of infected individuals, 327 are health workers. This includes 29 people in other districts who have contact with those infected.

Despite this, George affirms that all those currently infected are part of the first wave of the infection, which has resulted in two clusters.

The first cluster includes family members of the index case, while the second includes individuals who came into contact with him at the hospital where he sought treatment.