Nipah Virus: Karnataka heightens border vigilance as virus outbreak hits Kerala

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ANI, in a circular issued by the Karnataka government, it has been stated that due to the presence of four confirmed Nipah cases and two deaths in Kozhikode, there is a need to intensify surveillance activities in the districts that share a border with Kerala. This measure is aimed at preventing the spread of the infection into Karnataka, stating, “Avoid unnecessary travel of the general public from Karnataka to the affected area of Kerala." “Setting up check posts for fever surveillance at the point of entry from Karnataka to Kerala.

Intensify fever surveillance in the bordering districts such as Chamarajanagar, Mysore, Kodaga, and Dakshin Kannada," it added. Also Read: Nipah virus in Kerala: Former Health Minister K K Shailaja shares updates says ‘Situation not as scary as in 2018’ Meanwhile, as reported by PTI, the ICMR's National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune sent its mobile BSL-3 (Biosafety Level-3) laboratory to Kozhikode to test samples for the virus in the district itself after five cases, including two deaths, were recorded.

In a relief to the state government, the 11 samples sent for testing returned negative results for the virus. A government source confirmed the negative results, PTI noted.

Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, has reported that discussions were held with a central expert committee regarding the stability of the antiviral medication. This discussion likely pertains to the use and effectiveness of antiviral drugs in treating Nipah virus cases in the state.