Kerala’s health department has heightened surveillance and cleaning efforts in response to recent reports of West Nile Virus cases in three districts. While cases of this vector-borne disease have been known in the state since 2011, the recent spike has prompted proactive measures to curb its spread.
The affected districts, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Thrissur, have recorded several cases, with Kozhikode reporting five instances. Although most cases show no symptoms, one patient remains under treatment at the government medical college hospital.
District authorities emphasize that West Nile Fever is akin to dengue and does not currently pose a significant threat. “There is no cause for alarm or panic right now. There are no hot spots,” assured Kozhikode district collector Snehil Kumar Singh. However, precautionary measures include cleaning stagnant water sources to prevent mosquito breeding, as mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans through bites.
State Health Minister Veena George emphasized coordinated efforts between health officials and local self-government departments to control mosquito breeding. She reassured the public, stating that West Nile cases have been documented in various districts since 2011, and prompt reporting of symptoms like fever is crucial for timely intervention.
The West Nile Virus typically spreads through infected mosquitoes that have fed on birds, the virus’s natural hosts. While most infected individuals show no symptoms, common signs include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis or meningitis, with rare instances resulting in death.
Sources By Agencies
