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. 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.
Addressing concerns arising from recent bat attacks due to their linkage to the Nipah virus, Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha inaugurated a special OPD service under the e-Sanjeevini telemedicine system to aid potential patients and urged the public to refrain from harming bats, emphasising their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The Collector encouraged responsible and cautious coexistence with bats, pointing out their critical role in pest control, plant pollination, and seed dispersal.
The e-Sanjeevini platform ensures daily availability of specialist doctors from 8 am to 5 pm, aiding individuals in seeking medical guidance without the necessity of hospital visits. This step comes as part of a broader strategy to maintain public health without fostering panic, while healthcare setups remain on high alert.
Experts continue the genomic sequencing of the virus, coupled with ongoing bat surveys to monitor the situation closely, as the region actively engages in a battle against time to prevent a further spread of the virus that had previously seen outbreaks in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
Health officials encourage public vigilance and adherence to health guidelines, reiterating the importance of staying prepared and alert in a state that is prone to such infections according to studies by the World Health Organization and the Indian Council of Medical Research. Meanwhile, all stakeholders in the tourism sector remain optimistic, emphasising Kerala’s robust health infrastructure and proven track record in managing past medical emergencies effectively.
Key Highlights
• Tourism activities and scheduled events in Kerala continue as planned despite the Nipah scare, with enhanced safety measures in place.
• Kerala has seen a 20.1% increase in domestic tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023, and aims to build on this momentum.
• Recent tests of 42 high-risk samples showed no new Nipah infections; health officials maintain a 42-day vigilance period following the last positive case.
• The e-Sanjeevini telemedicine system has initiated a special OPD service to aid individuals with concerns or symptoms related to the Nipah virus, operating daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
• District Collector A Geetha urges the public to refrain from harming bats, emphasising their crucial ecological
role and encouraging cautious coexistence.
• Active monitoring and research, including bat surveys and genomic sequencing of the virus, are ongoing to understand and control the outbreak better.
• Six confirmed cases of Nipah virus infection in the state, with two deaths reported and heightened efforts to trace contacts and prevent further spread.
