KERALA MAINTAINS VIGILANCE AMID CONTROLLED NIPAH OUTBREAK

Despite recent Nipah virus outbreaks, state officials emphasise that tourism activities and scheduled events, including the Champions Boat League, are proceeding as planned, thanks to substantial containment efforts and a well-fortified health sector

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State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas stated that all activities are “on track as planned,” highlighting a notable 20.1% increase in domestic tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023 and expecting further growth by year-end. In impacted areas, strengthened health infrastructures and localised quarantine zones have been instituted. The number of confirmed Nipah cases in the state is six, with two fatalities recorded.

State Health Minister Veena George reported no fresh Nipah infections from the latest batch of 42 tested samples, bringing a sigh of relief amidst efforts to maintain stringent 42-day vigilance following the last positive case, as dictated by health guidelines. Aided by police assistance in tracing contacts through mobile tower locations, authorities are adamant on covering any gaps in the tracing process to curb the virus spread. National and central teams are actively monitoring and studying ecological changes in the affected area, while maintaining a close eye on the health status of currently infected patients.