Nipah deaths in Kerala: Experts on precautionary steps you can take

Through a Facebook post, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha said that the panchayats declared as containment zones include Atanchery, Maruthonkara, Tiruvallur, Kuttiyadi, Kayakkodi, Villyapalli, and Kavilumpara.

No travel is permitted inside and outside of these containment zones till further notice. “The police have been asked to cordon off these areas,” she said.

Other restrictions include only stores selling essential goods being allowed to function from 7 am to 5 pm, local self-government institutions and village offices can function with minimum staff, and banks and other quasi-government institutions, educational institutes, and angadwadis should not operate.

Instead, the public can use online services without going to the local self-government institutions. However, no time bar has been given to pharmacies and health centers.

With the situation becoming grave, we reached out to experts to understand the precautionary measures individuals can take to prevent the Nipah virus.

According to Dr Sabine Kapasi, public health expert, United Nations, there is no definitive treatment available for Nipah virus — making prevention paramount in minimising the outbreak. In India, where the virus has caused substantial disruptions, individuals can take various precautions to reduce the risk of transmission.

Among these measures, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) remain pillars of comprehensive infection prevention, Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram noted. “We have to remember our learning from Covid-19 and use the same precautions that we have been following for the past few years which is hand hygiene, social distancing, and usage of masks,” he added.

Other precautions include:

*Avoiding fallen fruits: Fruits that have come into contact with fruit bat excreta or saliva can pose a risk of contamination. Therefore, it is advisable not to consume fruits that have fallen on the ground in areas where fruit bats are prevalent.

*Avoiding contact with pigs: Pigs can become infected with the Nipah virus, making it essential to avoid direct contact with them. Farmers and those working with pigs should take additional precautions.

*Keeping fruit bats away: Reducing the risk of contact with fruit bats by securing living spaces to prevent their entry, is crucial.

*Implementing infection control measures: In healthcare settings especially, it is vital to adhere to strict infection control protocols to prevent human-to-human transmission, such as wearing protective hand gloves while giving any medical care to sick individuals.

Additionally, Dr Neeraj Kumar Tulara, general medicine and infectious disease specialist, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, said that the majority of treatment for Nipah virus is supportive care, which covers respiratory functioning and managing all the serious complications.

“Taking medicines for controlling vomiting and cough is crucial as well as using inhalers to improve breathing issues and taking antiseizure medications, if necessary,” he said.

In conclusion, Dr Kapasi said that understanding its causes, symptoms and the importance of preventive measures is essential to mitigate its impact. “While research on treatments continues, strict adherence to precautions can help safeguard communities from the threat of Nipah virus transmission. Collaborative efforts — both within India and globally — remain crucial in the fight against this emerging infectious disease,” she said.

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