Health Deparment alerts Mumbai and Pune regarding Nipah virus

After Nipah Virus, a contagious disease killed over 10 people in the state of Kerala, many states have been alerted regarding the same. As per the directive by the Health Department, Mumbai and Pune have also been alerted, whereas the government of Goa also has instructed all the hospitals to stay alert. Vishwajit Rane, Health Minister of Goa said that random checks are being conducted for the people coming from Kerala. He added that all the inspection is being conducted under the instructions of the Central Government.

All medical colleges and private hospitals have also been alerted to deal with any possible case of Nipah virus. Looking at the gravity of the situation, the Center has also sent a high-level team to Kerala from National Center of Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday to look into the situation.

However, National Institute of Virology (NIV) dismissed the rumours of further spread of Nipah virus, as it is said to be limited to a small geographical area in Kerala.

Symptoms of a Nipah virus-infected?

• Blurred Vision
• Dizziness
• Constant Headache
• Breathing Problem
• High Fever

How to prevent being infected?

• Avoid eating fruits fallen directly from the tree
• Avoid buying vegetables which are partially eaten by animals
• Avoid eating dates around bats and pigs
• Avoid connection with infected patients and animals
• Cover mouth and hands near the affected patient

In order to garner precaution in Mumbai, an 'Isolation Ward' has been prepared at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, Chinchpokli . This ward was previously reserved for the H1 N1 virus patients.