Govt sharpens Nipah detection readiness

Early-alert system, sensitisation efforts, in place since February, help health dept prepare for potential outbreaks

- UNNIKRISHNAN S @T'Puram

EARLY alerts and sensitisation efforts, in place from February, have helped the health department prepare for potential Nipah outbreaks during the high-risk period from April to September. This was indicated in an advisory released after a top-level meeting convened by Health Minister Veena George to review preparedness against various communicable diseases. This timely alert played a crucial role in identifying recent Nipah cases that initially presented as dengue.

The state remains on high alert during the Nipah transmission season, which aligns with the mating period of fruit bats (Pteropus medius), believed to be the natural reservoir of the virus. The state has historically recorded Nipah cases between May and September, with the first occurring in May 2018.