Nipah: Masks made mandatory in Malappuram, curbs on public gatherings

Malappuram: In the wake of a Nipah case reported in Malappuram district, the collector has imposed various curbs to arrest the spread of the virus.

District Collector V.R. Vinod issued the order under the Kerala Public Health Act and the Disaster Management Act.

Special curbs are in place in the regions of Pandikkad, the hometown of the infected 14-year-old boy, and Anakkayam Gram Panchayat, where his school is located. They are:

• Gatherings in the gram panchayat areas should be completely avoided.
• Pre-scheduled ceremonies, including weddings, should be conducted with a minimal number of people.
• Except for medical shops, shops and hotels can only operate from 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Cinema theatres will remain completely closed. Schools, colleges, madrassas, anganwadis, and tuition centres should not operate.

General curbs applicable to Malappuram district are as follows:

1. Public gatherings should be avoided as much as possible.
2. Wearing masks is mandatory when going out, during travel, and in other gatherings.
3. Students and teachers must wear masks during school hours.
4. Gatherings for weddings, funerals, and other celebrations should be minimised, and social distancing should be maintained.
5. Self-medication is not advised when experiencing symptoms like fever; advice from a registered medical practitioner should be sought.
6. Under no circumstances should fruits that have been bitten by birds, bats, or other animals, or fallen fruits, be consumed. Fruits and vegetables should only be used after thoroughly washing.
7. If you experience fever, vomiting, or other physical discomfort, seek advice from a registered medical practitioner. If there's a possibility of these symptoms spreading, report it by calling 0483-2732010 or 0483-2732050.

The state government had announced recently that a special action calendar was being prepared for the prevention of a Nipah outbreak, which has haunted the state on four occasions in the past.

Nipah outbreaks have been reported in Kozhikode district in 2018, 2021 and 2023 and in Ernakulam district in 2019, and the presence of Nipah virus antibodies had been detected in bats in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Idukki, Malappuram and Ernakulam districts.